Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 20 10 2017

www.guyanachronicle.com

ISSUE No. 72

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 20, 2017

Good Luck! Miss World Guyana – Vena Mookram –

Page 17

FREE DISTRIBUTION

— Happy Diwali — Richmond Hill Page 13 Celebrates Good Over Evil

Five dead in Berbice crash Page 24

Guyanese girls cop Mona top awards Page 3

Mrs. Moshamie Ramotar, Managing Director (Ag.), Guyana National Newspapers, Ltd. (left) and Mrs. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Chairperson of the GNNL Board of Directors with Miss World Guyana, Vena Mookram last Friday (Oct. 13) at Zen Hibachi Lounge in South Richmond Hill, the occasion was the Queens launching of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. (picture by Tangerine Clarke)

Justice James Patterson is new GECOM chair Page 23

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

Lights for Soesdyke-Linden Highway --amidst extensive repairs slated for 51-year-old road

THE Soesdyke-Linden Highway is expected to be furnished with lights, and to undergo extensive repairs in 2018, according to Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland.

Holland said this was revealed to regional representatives by Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson, at the installation of the Linden Electricity Company Board recently.

Several calls have been made for the highway to be lit following scores of accidents during the evenings, many of which were fatal.

Holland said that Patterson revealed that the Government was looking at a $40M budget for 2018 for both lighting and repairing of the 51-year- old , 45-mile stretch of uninterrupted bituminous thoroughfare linking Region 10 to Region 4. “Next year 2018, we are hoping to see some upgrade of the Linden Soesdyke Highway and we are looking forward to the lighting of the highway, so that is a project the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is set to undertake,” Holland said on Tuesday.

The Linden Mayor added that the two projects will run concurrently.

While efforts were made to place reflectors on the highway previously, this newspaper understands that several of these were sto-

len. Drivers plying the Linden to Georgetown route, made it a public cry of the darkness on the highway and the danger it poses of having to exclusively depend on one’s vehicle head lamps as a to guide for visibility. It is even more dangerous when the area is foggy.

Regional Councillors had labelled the road as `a veritable death trap’ since those who are not experienced to the structural faults of the highway are more susceptible to causing accidents.

Also absent on the thoroughfare are road markings and signage which can also aid drivers and other road users. One driver expressed the hope that indeed for 2018, the highway would be repaired and properly lit, since there were talks of same being done for 2017.

“I was made to understand that in the budget for 2017, money was there for repairs but I just see patching and so going on. I am hoping that for 2018, something more extensive would be done so that drivers can feel safe driving on the highway at nights, the driver said.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland expressed optimism that this would happen as outlined by the Minister.

Soesdyke-Linden Highway

Guyana cops 11 CXC awards -- QC student Michael Bhopaul tops the region he “thought about” scoring these regional prizes, but ruled out scoring this many.

He is currently attending Sixth Form classes at Queen’s College, pursuing studies in the natural sciences, mathematics and

Shawn Shewram

By Vishani Ragobeer Guyana copped 11 regional awards at the 2017 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) written in May / June.

Guyana’s top CSEC performer, Michael Bhopaul, who wrote 25 subjects, won the Best Regional Performer, Best Business Studies, Best Science and Best Technical/Vocational awards.

When Bhopaul received his scores, he saw 24 grade ones and one grade two, but cognisant of his performance, he reviewed his grades and discovered he in fact scored 25 grade ones.

Speaking to Guyana Chronicle, a shocked, yet elated Bhopaul related that when he decided to write this many subjects,

Michael Bhopaul

Shannon Woodroffe

modern languages (Spanish and French) subjects and has set his eyes on performing exceptional again.

Two other Queen’s College students copped awards at the CSEC examinations.

Rawletta Barrow, who is also currently a QC Sixth Former, copped the Best Humanities prize while Aatiqua Roshandin copped a new award given by the examinations council -- the ACCA Accounting Award.

A student of the St. Stanislaus College won the Best Short Story prize.

At CAPE, Shannon Woodroffe, a former CSEC top science performer,

raked in the best performances in natural sciences and mathematics.

“Well, I’d never say I expected to top the Caribbean in both my areas of study, but I was pretty comfortable after my examinations,” Woodroffe said.

The former QC student who is studying at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, said she was in a state of disbelief when she was informed of her achievements.

Meanwhile, local top CAPE performer this year with grade one passes in eight units, Shawn Shewram of the St. Roses High School, earned the Best Business Studies and the ACCA Accounting awards. Shewram is currently studying Law at the University of Guyana.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

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Guyanese girls cop Mona top awards --make Dean’s List, Honours Roll

By Ravin Singh in Kingston IT will perhaps never be too clichéd to say that Guyanese always etch their names in the halls of academia in whichever part of the world they’re sent.

Today, that story continues with two of the country’s youngest, most brilliant minds who were recently awarded for excellence at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus in Jamaica.

No strangers to excellence, Larissa Wiltshire and Elisa Hamilton, both scholarship students, made the Dean’s list and Honours list for the Faculty of Medical Sciences for the academic year 2016/2017.

To make the Dean’s list, one must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or above, which both young ladies achieved. Wiltshire went even further to cop the coveted award of making the Honours Roll, which is awarded to only the top two students in each class.

Wiltshire is reading for her Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, while Hamilton is pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Both young ladies were awarded

Larissa Wiltshire with the two awards she copped at UWI, Mona, recently

scholarships by the Government of Guyana after their stellar performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

For 19-year-old Wiltshire, the awards were the fruits of her labour, as she had invested much time and dedication in her studies.

“It was also time-consuming, and required a lot of dedication,” she said. “I

wouldn't necessarily say it was either challenging or easy, because, to me, it's just a lot of work that you have to focus on, and set your mind to learning and understanding,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

She admitted, though, that the news of her achievement brought her much joy, as it was something for which she had worked extremely hard. She said, too, that it was not only an

achievement for her, but her country as well, as she is still an ambassador of Guyana.

For Hamilton, however, the year was much more challenging.

“My first year was challenging,” she said. “I had to deal with a whole lot of things besides studying. I had to deal with being away from my family, and for me, that was extremely hard.

“After the first month, I wanted to return home.”

The 19-year-old said she also had to deal with cooking, cleaning and having to do her own groceries. She couldn’t help laughing while relating that she even asked herself once, “Oh my gosh, why am I adulating?”

But, by and by, she said, she was able to eventually balance her domestic, social and academic life.

“It took a lot of prayers,” Elisa said. “Sometimes ‘med’ school got extremely stressful, and I felt overwhelmed at times.” But by the second semester, she was more understanding of what was required of her.

The aspiring medical doctor said that having used the second semester to assess her performance in the first semester, in terms of what were her strengths and weak-

nesses, and was able to move on from there.

And because of her ability to adjust herself, Hamilton successfully attained straight ‘A’s in her second semester.

She was actually surprised, she said, when she received an email informing her that she had won the award, since she did not know such an award existed.

“One night I was studying and decided to check my email, and I saw the message

that I was an awardee,” she said.

“I was happy to be on it; it was encouraging and motivating because of how challenging my year had been.”

For her, medical school is a work in progress.

She believes that an integral part of her success is prayers, and the support she receives not only from friends and family back home, but from those in Jamaica.

Elisa Hamilton with her plaque for making the Dean’s List

‘Sweet Kendingo’ on tour of indigent homes --serenading the elderly, taking them back down memory lane

By Shirley Thomas THE United Nations General Assembly, on December 4, 1990, voted to designate October 1 as International Day of Older Persons.

The holiday is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse.

It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society, and to make them feel loved and cared for.

Here in Guyana, one such observance is an annual musical concert hosted by popular local calypsonian and guitarist, “Sweet Kendingo.”

The event is held annually at Senior Citizens’ Homes countrywide.

At least 14 concerts were scheduled to be staged by Kendingo over a period of two weeks.

But because the Palms institution was also hosting a major function for the elderly that same week, to which they had invited senior citizens from various retirement homes, the first of Kendingo’s concerts was held on Tuesday, October 3 at the Archers’ Home on D’Urban Street.

As usual, the seniors were choicely entertained with rich, melodious music as the vocalist rendered songs of yesteryear, strumming

his guitar and inviting them to join in singing as he performed.

Some responded, but the environment just did not have that celebratory feel it usually has on such occasions, and where normally the seniors would get up and dance whenever the music “bite” them, that just did not happen this time around.

Could it have been a case of intuition? As, what the gathering did not know at the time was that just a few streets away from Archer’s, the lives of two elderly Christian women had been brutally snuffed out in their South Road and Albert Street home in the wee hours of the morning that same day, allegedly

for their pensions and whatever else the criminals were able to get their hands on.

The women, Constance Fraser, 89, and her niece, Phyllis Caesar, 77, who were members of the Full Gospel Assembly of God Church, just across the road, were found bound and gagged, lying face down in separate bedrooms and exhibiting what looked like blunt-force trauma to the head.

There was deep anguish outside the women’s home as relatives, brethren, friends and just about anyone with a heart reached the scene of the horrific incident.

The police have since questioned several persons and made arrests. The mas-

termind behind the plot was reportedly nabbed in the Pomeroon on Monday.

The sad story is that instead of these two elderly women being honoured in keeping with the United Nations Convention on International Day for Older Persons, they were savagely killed.

The women were buried last Wednesday and Thursday at respective cemeteries of their relatives’ choice, after a moving joint Thanksgiving Service at the South Road Full Gospel Assembly in Bourda, just across the road from where they had lived.

However, in the spirit of goodwill and in the interest of bringing joy to the hearts of the senior citizens, the ‘Kendingo Musical Concerts’ are continuing apace

and this time around, spirited and well received, bringing joy to the hearts of all. There have been calls for more, with suggestion of possibly a Christmas segment.

So far, more than 10 have been held at such institutions as: The Dharm Shala in Berbice; the Good Samaritan Home in Stanleytown, New Amsterdam; The New Nazareth Home on Carmichael Street here in the city; the Gentle Women’s Home on Brickdam; The Ivy Hall on Camp Street; and the Byer’s Home on Robb Street.

Among other venues on the cards for this week are: The St. Vincent De Paul Home, St. Thomas Moore Home, The Palms, and The Army Veterans Retirement Home.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

Suspected arsonist in Da Silva St. blaze still at large THE suspected arsonist is still at large after the fire that gutted the Javis’ house and the dwelling next door, leaving about eight persons homeless on Tuesday night, following a domestic dispute.

Police said the fire reportedly started at about 22:00hrs when the 44-yearold musician had a domestic dispute with his wife, Joan Javis, 37, and there was a scuffle before he attempted to douse her with gasoline.

In her bid to escape a fiery death, she jumped through a window on the lower flat of the two-storey concrete house and escaped.

The suspect then in a fit of rage reportedly poured gasoline in a section of the building, set it alight and then fled the scene. He was still at large up to press time.

Police said the victim, Joan Javis, received minor injuries and is hospitalised in a stable condition.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the scene on Wednesday, 78-year-old Ovid Stewart who resided at the corner of De Abreu and Da Silva Streets, Kitty, had his nieces and nephews trying to salvage whatever they could from the flooded and destroyed lower flat of the two-storey concrete house where he was a tenant.

He said that at about 10:30hrs, he was in bed and heard what sounded like

The two dwelling houses after the blaze on Tuesday night

squibs and thought that the children in the neighbourhood were up to no good.

However, he opened his eyes after hearing sounds outside his window and saw the conflagration next door.

The re-migrant added that he could not save anything but his own life by rushing through the door as the fire was spreading very quickly with the house next door being totally engulfed.

The elderly man reported that he remigrated to his

homeland in 2004 and had been renting the lower flat of the house since his return here, calling it his ‘retirement home,’ but all was lost on Tuesday night.

Stewart said his landlady, a mother of three, Adunni Orderson and her mother resided in the top flat of the house and they too lost everything.

He told this publication that the incident is most unfortunate and like most neighbours, he too said that

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the couple, the Javises, always had loud quarrels and fights and on Tuesday night they did not find it anyway unusual.

It was not until the fire erupted that they became aware that something had gone terrible wrong within that household. He told the Guyana Chronicle that if two people cannot get along they should move on and settle their differences constructively instead of resorting to violence and arson.

Stewart added that he is also the guardian of an elderly uncle who is in his late 90s and is being forced to stay with him until he finds a suitable place of abode, since he wants to live alone and spend his days reading novels and books of interest.

Stewart said fortunately he has fire insurance and he is hoping the company will compensate him as a result of the fire which has reduced his apartment to a pile of rubble.

Neighbours said they were not surprised something as tragic as a fire had occurred on Tuesday night since the couple were always fighting but it was unfortunate that the neighbours also lost their home.

Officials from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said they received a fire call and when they responded, the dwelling house was already totally alight and they tried to save the other building by containing the blaze.

Firecrackers leave Diamond family homeless

CHILDREN playing with squibs caused an entire family to be homeless Wednesday night after their Lot 1892, 20th Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home was completely destroyed.

The one-flat wooden house was occupied by a single mother, her four children and their grandmother. One neighbour said the children were throwing the squibs around and inside the house before the fire erupted.

Their mother Camita Singh said she was working at a beer garden located near First Bridge, Diamond, East Bank Demerara when she received a call informing her

The remains of the Lot 1892, 20th Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara home (Adrian Narine photo)

of the fire.

In tears, she said her daughter is preparing to write Common Entrance and they have lost all their valuables.

Singh said she is willing to accept any assistance and

would be seeking help from the authorities to recover their source documents.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle confirmed that the cause of the fire was as a result of children playing with firecrackers.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

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T TH HE E H HI IS ST TO ORY RY PA PAG GE E

THE 12 GREATEST WEST INDIES CRICKETERS OF ALL TIME

Dedicated to my Rector — The Very Reverend Eddie Alleyne

L

. Susan Stebbing, the eminent British logician, in her book “A Modern Introduction to Logic”, made a point relevant to the present discourse. She said that “Definition is indispensable to clear thinking.” I recently had a discussion with a friend, who is very well informed in cricket history. He argues that the term “cricketer” refers mainly to batsmen. This made me consult my Oxford Concise Dictionary, which offers this definition: “A cricketer is a person who plays cricket.”

Since “greatest” means “best in ability”, the terms would mean “cricketers with the best cricketing abilities.” My task is not an easy one, because West Indies cricket is blessed with many great players. My list necessarily omits many of these, some of my favourites.

At the top of my list is Sir Garfield St. Aubyn Sobers. The others, not necessarily in priority, are: Desmond Haynes, Sir George Headley, Brian Lara, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Everton deCourcey Weekes, Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, , Courtney Walsh, Malcolm Marshall and Jeff Dujon. I will not discuss the first four, because they were discussed in the first part in last week’s edition.

SIR GARFIELD SOBERS AO, OCC Right Honourable Sir Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers, better known as Gary Sobers, was born July 28, 1936 in the Bay Land, St. Michael, Barbados. He is the greatest West Indies cricketer of all time and, as John Arlott observed, “the greatest all-round player in the history of cricket.”

“An elegant yet powerful batsman, highlyskilled fielder, deceptive spin bowler, devastating fast bowler and enterprising captain, Sobers’ versatility while playing the sport was truly incredible.”

In February 1953, he played for the Barbados National side against India, as a spin bowler.

He took 7 wickets and bowled 40 maiden overs.

The following year, he played his first Test, against England. In the fifth Test, he replaced Alfred Valentine at Sabina Park as a spin bowler, taking 4 wickets.

Sir Garfield was an accomplished batsman, opened and played in the middle order.

STATISTICS Batting: Played in 93 Tests, scored 8,032 runs, at an average of 57.78, made 26 100s and a top score of 365* (as an opener and his first Test century).

Bowling: He bowled 21,599 balls, took 235 wickets (took 5 wickets in an innings 6 times).

His average is 34.03.

SIR FRANK WORRELL, KB He was born Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell on August 1, 1924, at Bank Hall, St. Michael, Barbados, but migrated to Jamaica in 1947, a move still annoying to most Barbadians.

He died in Jamaica on March 13, 1967. His body was returned to Bimshire with great fanfare and he was buried on the campus of UWI (Cave Hill, Barbados). A memorial service was held for him at Westminster Abbey in recognition of him as a “leader, educator, counsellor, senator, author and humanitarian.” It was the first time such an honour was given to a sportsman.

Technically, Sir Frank was not the first Black West Indies captain. Sir George Headley was captain for one match in 1948 and Sir Learie Constantine acted briefly during a match.

He was the first Black to be appointed captain for a series. Some argue that when he was finally appointed captain (C.L.R. James’ lobbying), he was past his cricketing prime and he only captained 15 Tests. None-the-less, he was an outstanding captain, surpassed by only Clive Lloyd and Gary Sobers.

Sir Garfield Sobers

Sir Frank Worrell

Worrell was part of the legendary trio with Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Clyde Walcott. He is remembered for his partnership of 502 with John Goddard and an unfinished 574 with Sir Clyde Walcott. In his 1950 tour of England, he topped the batting with 589 runs at an average of 83.89. His highest Test score of 261 was made during this series.

Sir Frank was also a good medium to fast bowler.

He was the most stylish cricketer I have seen and, from the accounts of those versed in modern cricket, remains such.

On the 50th anniversary of his death, Sir Everton Weekes observed: “He was one of the finest batsman I have ever seen, graceful, classy

and elegant at the crease. There was a lot of variety in his bowling, he could bowl fast inswingers, then bowl slow. Overall his greatest attribute in cricket was his leadership. He had vision, he led from the front and he was able to get the best out of those around him.”

STATISTICS Batting: 51 Tests, scored 3,860 runs at an average of 49.48. 100s in an innings: 9, top score 261.

Bowling: 7,141 balls, 69 wickets with a 38.72 average.

Sir Everton Weekes

Clive Lloyd

SIR EVERTON DeCOURCEY WEEKES, KCMG, GCM, OBE “Short, stocky but endearing”, he was born February 26, 1925 at Pickwick Gap, Westbury, St. Michael, Barbados., one year after Sir Frank Worrell and one year before Sir Clyde Walcott.

A little known fact is that he was born 1 mile from Clyde Walcott and was delivered by the midwife who delivered Sir Clyde.

I include Sir Everton in my list, because he was the most dominating batsman of his time.

When he started hitting fours, he never stopped.

He was a true run machine.

His first Test was against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1948. I had the pleasure

of seeing him at Bourda (Georgetown Cricket Club, GCC) during the series. My father had taken me to the game. Weekes scored a century in the final Test and this was followed by four more in India, creating the most enduring record in cricket history of five consecutive Test hundreds.

The great English batsman George Gunn observed: “I have seen them all since Victor Trumper and including Bradman; I have never seen a more brilliant array of strokes nor heard the ball so sweetly struck.” John Arlott said: “Everton Weekes was the most explosive cricketer of all. He had incredible speed of footwork and strokemaking. He was like Bradman but more extravagant.”

STATISTICS Sir Everton played in 48 tests, scored 4,455 runs with a batting average of 58.61. He scored 15 100s. His top score was 261.

CLIVE LLOYD, CBE, AO Born Clive Hubert Lloyd (the Big C) was born August 31, 1944 at Queenstown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Clive was descended from a cricket family.

His uncle Glendon Gibbs was opening batsman with Leslie Wight on the Guyana National Team for decades. His first cousin is the famous Lance Gibbs and Lance’s brother Teddy was a promising local cricketer.

I selected Clive, because he is the greatest West Indies captain of all-time. In every sport, the skipper takes the blame and gets the glory.

It has been said that cricket is the only game where the captain plays a pivotal role both in technique and temperament in deciding his team’s fortunes.

The West Indies has been blessed with great cricket captains, who were also great allrounders. Add Clive to the list.

Clive was the most loved West Indies captain. “He was the crucial ingredient in the rise of West Indian cricket.” His tactical brilliance as

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Editorial Violent crimes and the soul of the nation GUYANESE cannot be comfortable with the number of murders that have so frequently been occurring in our country. These past few weeks have been especially bloody—from the murder of young Leonard Archibald to the hacking to death of Kenesha Sheriff-Fraser to the senseless killing of two senior citizens, Constance Fraser and Phyllis Melrose Caesar.

It seems as if we have been waking up to one of these violent incidents every day. There were many before and have been others since the ones cited here. What is particularly hard to come to grips with is the wanton disregard for human life that seems to be at play here.

Violent crimes are not new to the human experience and to Guyana. Indeed, we have witnessed in recent times in the wider CARICOM Region an alarming rise in such crimes. But, for us in Guyana, we have reached the point where we should not continue to treat this development as normal.

If we are to be honest with ourselves, we are being faced with a gathering national security threat

that cannot be explained by any single social factor. It is the multiplicity of causes that must worry those who are charged with maintaining law and order in our society—the circumstances of these murders range from jealousy to domestic abuse to robbery to mental health.

Our social scientists have long argued that the root cause of our relatively high crime rate lies in our inability to rid our country of the scourge of poverty. That prognosis still holds true. But what accounts for the sharp increase in violent crimes, whereby those who commit these acts seem to be simultaneously intent on taking the lives of the victims ? It is not unreasonable to conclude that there must be other factors at work. It is difficult not to be swayed in the direction of those who believe that, in addition to the socio-economic condition, we are quickly losing our moral compass—something deadly is taking hold of the soul of the nation.

What on earth could explain the targeting of a little boy, full of life and hope and a long, bright future, for the kind of dark end that was meted out to him by

Guyana Chronicle New York Week-ending September Guyana Chronicle New Edition York Edition week ending October29, 20,2017 2017

Russia's Putin: Trump's foes have blocked his agenda

PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia remains open to cooperation with Washington even though President Donald Trump's political foes in the U.S. have tried to prevent him from fulfilling his campaign promises.

Asked at a forum of foreign policy experts if Russia is annoyed with Trump's unpredictability, Putin said that it's linked to a "strong resistance inside the country."

Russia rejoiced at Trump's victory in the 2016 U.S. election, but its hopes for repairing ties with his administration have been shattered by congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia.

Speaking at the Valdai forum in Sochi, Putin said Trump's political adversaries "haven't allowed him to fulfill any of his election platforms and plans."

He emphasised that Trump won an honest victory thanks to his talents, adding that the lack of respect for Trump and his voters shown by his foes is a "deplorable element of the U.S. political system."

At the same time, he added that Russia will remain open to cooperate with the United States.

U.S. intelligence agencies say that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Russia denies the

charge.

"An unprecedented anti-Russian campaign has been unleashed in the United States," Putin said. "After losing the election to Trump, they have put all the blame on Russia and engaged in a frenzied anti-Russian hysteria."

He warned that Russia will "momentarily respond quid pro quo" if Washington imposes restrictions on the Russian state-funded RT television network and Sputnik news agency.

RT has said it faces a U.S. demand to register as a foreign agent and provide detailed personal data for its staff. It says the request amounts to an attempt to push it out of the U.S. media market.

Putin also criticized the U.S. and its allies for missing a chance to build a safer and more stable world after the Cold War and engaging in what he described a "policy based on arrogance, egoism and claims of exclusivity."

He pointed at Russia's "unprecedented openness" in allowing the U.S. to inspect and monitor its nuclear weapons facilities after the 1991 Soviet breakup, adding that Moscow has received little in return.

"We made a mistake in trusting you too much," he said answering a question about what he thinks was Moscow's mistake in relations with the West after the end of Cold War. "And you have

mistaken that trust for weakness, and abused our trust."

The Russian leader noted that the U.S. has been slow to dismantle its chemical weapons arsenals in line with an international treaty, while Russia last month wrapped up the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpiles.

He said Russia will stick to its obligations under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty and will continue to do so. U.S. officials have accused Russia of developing missiles in violation of the treaty, a charge Russia has denied.

Putin said the 1987 accord was tilted in the U.S.'s favor, effectively amounting to "unilateral disarmament," as it failed to ban missiles carried by navy ships and aircraft that the U.S. had and the Soviet Union didn't.

He said Russia has since developed such cruise missiles for its navy and air force.

Asked if he views a global ban on nuclear weapons as a realistic possibility, Putin answered affirmatively. He said Russia would "want it and will be striving to achieve that."

The Russian president noted that new precision weapons now under development could be just as devastating as nuclear weapons. He said Russia is also working on such weapons.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. adults in his communi- the crime rate under con- It is impossible, inhuman not straightforward for the ty? We may be tempted trol. Many will call for and immoral to quantify source is a combination of to view that incident as this and that minister to violent crimes—the im- the social, economic and an isolated one, but we be fired. But, that very pact can never be captured the moral. But it seems have seen too many sim- political chatter may be a by numerical decreases or that we have reached the ilar murders. We should hindrance to a wider soci- increases. point where all sectors and guard against the temp- etal approach to this probSome may be tempted sections of the society must tation to be drawn into lem. How many times have to reach for the easy solu- assume responsibility for that proverbial comfort we, for example, racialised tion—capital punishment. the moment. zone. When young men, the crime and violence in We say easy, because the These mostly young in the course of a robbery, our midst, thus leading operationalising of that men do not drop from the could matter-of-factly, to the belief by some that form of punishment does sky, they come from combut intentionally, snuff their community does not not require rational thought munities. And these comout the lives of two older produce crime and to the or policy-making. We ac- munities are full of churchwomen just because they motivation by others to be knowledge that it is diffi- es and clubs and other raised an alarm on see- defensive about the same? cult to tell the families and organisations of faith. It ing strange men in their If we have not realised by loved ones of the victims of may be that our religious home, then our society is now that this phenomenon violence that capital pun- organisations should tailor in serious trouble. Just cuts across ethnicity, then ishment is not an effective their gospel and teachings look at how a man could we will be forever trapped form of deterrence, that towards helping to create pre-meditate to murder a in a state of paralysis. while it satisfies a limited zones of deterrence from woman for whatever reaThe police force and the desire for justice, it has violence. The mission of son and then calmly take government of the day have not made the rest of us less our churches and schools his own life! so often turned to statistics vulnerable to violence. and social organisations We cannot as a society to explain the crime situThis crime situation is must be to deter our young continue to be comfortable ation—weexpressed are constantly out of control. The gov- newspaper people not just fromare crime, The views and opinions in articles in this with these senseless acts. fed with statistics about the ernment, as stewards of but from the culture of vioThere areof those who will decrease in do crimes.

While our day-to-day affairs must the lencepolicies that is eating and away at those the authors and not necessarily reflect turn this into a partisan po- statistics don’t necessarily take the lead in bringing our social fabric. If we do litical football by charging lie, they often of mask the New some sanity the situ- not act in unison views of the management the Yorkto Edition ofbegin thetoGuyana the present government human toll that crime and ation. But we must ad- now, our nation could dewith being unable to bring violence take on a society. mit that the solution is scend into anarchy.

Chronicle.

Disclaimer:

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

7

Violence: An American Addiction

T

oday, violence is a staple of American life. Violence of all kinds is the undergirding thread that permeates American society, offering up instant gratification and pleasure, as addicts, from sources ranging from Hollywood to countless TV programs based on the glorification of Rambo-style “kick butt” violence. Mass shootings and murders have now become normal in the United States as a minority of Americans own about 310 million guns — about one for each man, woman and child. And any attempt to regulate gun ownership to make a safer society is met with serious opposition and rigid pronouncements about the Second Amendment.

While few will acknowledge writing, 58 people have already lost it, America’s war culture has might- their lives to gun violence every sinily contributed to this equally hor- gle day. These figures indicate that rendous culture of violence. For too many youth in America occupy example, it’s this addiction to vio- what can accurately be called war lence on a national level that drives zones in which guns and violence the arms industry and the huge prof- proliferate. In this brutal scenario, its reaped from guns and arms sales. guns and their insane culture of Indeed, the fact is that as a society, deadly violence and hyper-masAmerica and Americans are com- culinity are given more credence pletely enmeshed with a neoliberal than young people. From violent culture in which cruelty is viewed as contact sports, TV shows that glovirtue, mass incarceration, the de- rify violence and torture as enterfault welfare program and chief tainment, Hollywood movies that mechanism to “institutionalize obe- feature sadism, violence against dience.” Buttressing all this, is a sur- women and rape gaining the highest vival of the fittest, dog eat dog ratings, children from the time they competition that is bereft of human- can walk and talk are fed this steady, ity, pregnant with selfishness and unrelenting diet of daily violence. unbridled, chronic narcissism.

So much so, violence is now Moreover, all of the mass shootings, normal in American society. So fodaily violence, and gun murders are driven by a consumeristic society riddled with the by-products of racism, fear, anxiety, bigotry, massive disparities and inequalities in power and wealth.

The huge toll on American society caused by this culture of violence is both staggering and embarrassing for a developed country.

In the last three years alone, 1 child under 12 years old has been killed every other day by a firearm. That amounts to 555 children killed by guns in just three years. An even more mind-blowing statistic and example of a shocking moral and political perversity that permeates this country was noted in data provided by the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), which said “2,525 children and teens died by gunfire in [the United States] in 2014; one child or teen death every three hours and 28 minutes, nearly seven per day, 48 per week.”

Now in 2017, at the time of

cusing only on the mass shootings, or the fight to pass some toothless gun legislation will not get to the root of the problem and the systemic forces that produce America’s love affair with violence. You see, American great power chauvinism and policies of aggression in all parts of the world are now matched by increasing levels of lawlessness and state repression at home. Here civil society has degenerated into a military organization, a spate of runaway lawlessness and war-like practices, organized primarily for the production of violence.

For example, the police now use their discourse of command and power to criminalize public, especially Black, behavior. These days they use military grade weapons and surveillance tools as if they are preparing for war, and create a culture of fear in which militaristic practices and principles replace legal norms. As one writer noted: “This suggests that there is an institutional insecurity that seeks to cover itself through social control, for which individual interactions with the police are the means. In(see page 20)

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Puerto Rico Still Struggling One Month After Hurricane Maria

O

ne month after Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, the basic necessities — food, water and power — are still in short supply on the island.

And the weather woes continue for the U.S. territory. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for a large part of the island Wednesday, including San Juan and its vicinity. Puerto Rico has had steady rain all week, and the NWS warned that with the soil saturated, many rivers and streams could overflow their banks, if the heavy rains continue.

Puerto Rico's 3.4 million islanders, frustrated with a long-depressed economy and the devastation of Maria are expected to leave the island in droves. Governor Ricardo Rosello warned in a news conference last week that without significant help from the mainland, millions of Puerto Ricans could leave.

'You are not going to get hundreds of thousands Puerto Ricans moving to the states — you are going to get millions,' he said.

SLOW RECOVERY The exodus was spurred by the initial slow response from the federal government and the island's poor infrastructure that has made it hard for Puerto Ricans to recover from the damage caused by the Category 4 hurricane.

Across the island, residents have had to drink water contaminated with sewage or collected from a Superfund site, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Superfund sites are highly contaminated areas targeted by the federal government for cleanup.

'A month after Maria, 82 percent of Americans in Puerto Rico have no power 35 percent no water,' Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia said in a tweet aimed at President Donald Trump on Wednesday. 'And you're still

tweeting attacks at football players.'

But despite the slow recovery, Puerto Rico is filled with stories of hope and helping hands.

Washington chef Jose Andres has been leading a group of volunteers to feed the islanders since the hurricane hit. As of this week, the chef and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen hit a milestone in their campaign. According to The Washington Post, Andres' team has prepared and delivered a million meals to residents, while the American Red Cross has served 540,000 meals and snacks.

On Tuesday, Andres tweeted: 'After three weeks, 500 volunteers, today @WCKitchen ChefsForPuertoRico served 1 millionth meal in Puerto Rico!'

Singers Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, along with baseball star Alex Rodriguez, have raised more than $35 million through a concert, a telethon and corporate donations, as well as personal donations. Private donations are pouring into the island as well.

But the recovery is requiring coordination of thousands of troops and federal agencies.

Trump is scheduled to meet with the Puerto Rico governor Thursday to discuss the recovery and rebuilding effort.

Rossello asked Trump on Oct. 2 to expand the disaster declaration so that federal funds can be spent on fixing damaged schools, buildings and power plants.

The governor has also asked the White House and Congress for at least $4.6 billion in block grants and other types of funding.

But Trump has suggested there will be a limit to how much help Puerto Rico could expect from Washington to solve its long-term issues.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Puerto Rico’s Governor Ricardo Rossello and Pres. Donald Trump.

MINERVA TRAVEL CLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED

ELAINE HENRY, CTA, MCC Travel Consultant 1053 E 40th Street Tel: 718-377-2071 Brooklyn, NY 11210 Fax: 718-377-1291 email: minitravel@hotmail.com www.minervatravel.net

WHERE COURTESY AND PROFESSIONALISM MEET

To Advertise in this new and exciting paper The New York Edition of the GUYANA CHRONICLE — Guyana’s National Newspaper call: 917-379-6590

Guyana York Edition week ending October 20, 2017 GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

99

General Assembly elects new members ‘Sweet Kendingo’ to UN Human Rights Council on to SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 15, 2017

T

–– serenading the elderly, taking them back down memory lane

he General Assembly on October 16, elected, by secret balSUNDAY CHRONICLE October 15, 2017 lot, 15 States to serve on the Human Rights Council, the highest intergovernmental body in the United Nations sysBy Shirley Thomas ingo.” The event is held ming his guitar and inviting annually at Senior Citizens’ them to join in singing as he tem for matters relating to protection and promotion of human THE United Nations Gen- Homes performed.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE Octobercountrywide.

15, 2017 rights worldwide. eral Assembly, on DeAt least 14 concerts were Some responded, but the cember 4, 1990, voted to scheduled to be staged by environment just did not Newly elected to the Geneva- other States. designate October 1 as Kendingo over a period of have that celebratory feel based Human Rights Council are On the basis of equitable geo- International Day of Older two weeks. it usually has on such occaBut because the Palms sions, and where normally Afghanistan, Angola, Australia, graphical distribution, Council seats Persons.

The celebrated institution alsoishosting the seniors would up and By holiday ShirleyisThomas ingo.” Thewas event held ming his guitar andget inviting Chile, the Democratic Republic of are allocated to the five regional by raising awareness abouttheaannually major at function for the dance whenever the music –– serenading elderly, taking them back down memory lane Senior Citizens’ them to join in singing as he the elderly, that same week, performed. “bite” them, that just did not the Congo, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, groups as follows: African States, issues THE affecting United Nations Gen- elderly Homes countrywide. senescence and el- to which had invited happen this time around.

By Shirley Thomas ingo.”

The event iswere held ming his guitar and inviting eralasAssembly, on DeAt leastthey 14 concerts Some responded, but the Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Senegal, Slo- 13 seats; Asia-Pacific States, 13 such der abuse.4, 1990, voted to senior annually Senior Citizens’ to join in it singing he citizens from various Could haveasdid been cember scheduled toat be staged by them environment just not a THE United GenHomes over countrywide. performed.

It is also aOctober day to Nations appreretirement homes, the first case that of intuition?

As, feel what vakia, Spain and Ukraine.

1 as Kendingo a period of have celebratory seats; Eastern European States, six designate Assembly,that on DeAt least 14 concerts were Some responded, butnot the know S ciate the eral contributions of Kendingo’s was gathering International Day of Older two weeks. toconcerts itthe usually hasjust ondid such occata cember 4, 1990, voted to scheduled be staged by environment did not All would serve three-year seats; Latin American and older people make October to soci- 1 held on because Tuesday, at the time wasnormally that Persons.

Palms sions, and where designate as But Kendingo overthe a October period of have that celebratory feel just to makeis them 3institution at two the weeks.

Archers’ on itthe ausually few streets away from th The holiday celebrated was alsoHome hosting seniors would get up and International Dayfeel of Older has on such occaterms beginning on 1 January 2018. Caribbean States, eight seats; and ety, and ButStreet. because the and where loved andPersons. cared for. about D’Urban Archer’s, the normally lives of two th by raising awareness a major function forPalms the sions, dance whenever the music holiday isone celebrated institution alsoseniors hosting the seniors would up and The 15 new members were Western European and other States, issues the elderly, Hereaffecting in The Guyana, elderly that was same week, “bite” them, thatgetjust did not As usual, the elderly Christian women e by raising awareness a choicely major function for the dance whenever thearound. music suchobservance as senescence and el-about to which they had invited happen this brutally time such is an annuwere entertained had been snuffed to seven seats. issues affecting the elderly, elderly that same week, “bite” them, that just did not elected according to the following abuse. senior citizens from it South have been and a alder musical concert hosted byand elwith melodious music happen outCould inthis their Road such as senescence torich, which they hadvarious invited time around.

It is also a day to appre- as retirement homes, thevarious first case of intuition?

As, awhat pattern: four seats for African Created by the General Assem- popular local calypsonian the vocalist rendered Albert Street in the Sen der abuse.

F senior citizens from Could it havehome been ciate the contributions of Kendingo’s concerts was the gathering did not know It“Sweet is also a Kenddaythat to appreretirement homes, the first case ofhours intuition?

As, what and guitarist, songs of yesteryear, strumwee of the morning Pc tain Senior States; four seats for Asia-Pacific bly in 2006, the 47-member Council older people ciate the contributions make to soci- that Kendingo’s concerts was the gathering not that knowjust heldofon Tuesday, October at the timedid was tained b w older people make to sociheld on Tuesday, October at the time was that just ety, and to make them feel recommen3 at the Archers’ on a which few streets from thaG and making desHome Nations, usedaway to house States; three seats for Latin Ameri- is responsible for strengthening the violations ety, and to make them feel 3 at the Archers’ Home on a few streets away from that same loved and cared for.

D’Urban Street.

Archer’s, the lives of two theC loved and cared for.

D’Urban Street.

Archer’s, the lives twodisthem. the League of Nations, untilof women its their pen can and Caribbean States; two seats promotion and protection of human dations Hereon inHere Guyana, one As usual, the seniors elderly Christian else in Guyana, one As usual, the seniors elderly Christian women else the ro c observance is anare annuwere choicely entertained had been beenbrutally brutally snuffed solution in 1946. such observance is held an annuwere choicely entertained had snuffed Its meetings at the UN for Eastern European States; and rights around the globe and for ad- such to gettothe gg al musical concert hosted by with rich, melodious music out in their South Road and al musical concert hosted by with rich, melodious music out in their South Road and The in w Geneva, locatedasatthe Palais popularatpopular local calypsonian two seats for Western European and dressing situations of human rights Office vocalist AlbertStreet Streethome home in the local calypsonian as the vocalistrendered rendered (Caribbeannews.net) Albert in the Fra8 Fraser, e

‘Sweet Kendingo’ on to

‘Sweet Kendingo’ on tour

–– serenading the elderly, taking them back down memory lane

Providence pedestrian crossing moving apace Providencepedestrian pedestrian Providence crossingmoving moving apace crossing apace

and guitarist, songs of yesteryear,strumstrumand guitarist, “Sweet“Sweet Kend-Kendsongs of yesteryear,

The Bagotville bridge...

Still a long way to go --but it’s getting there

THE deteriorated part of the bridge at Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, has been completely removed at last, as contractors continue to work feverishly to construct a new bridge.

GAICO Construction Inc. was awarded a $97M contract to build a new bridge in the community after the main access bridge in the

area started to sink.

The support beams of the bridge were damaged due to erosion and heavy rains, heavy-duty vehicles also helped add to the deterioration.

In the interim, a temporary bridge was constructed nearby so that there can be a smooth flow of traffic.

wee morning wee hours hoursofofthethe morning Phyllis Ph b were we me Gospel Goh Church, road, Ch weg CONTRACTORS are moving apace to awarded to contractor, S. Jagmohan Hardroa gagged, complete the pedestrian crossing at Provi- ware Supplies and Construction Services, h gag in separ dence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). A visit for construction of the overhead pedestrian inf exhibitin blunt-fo by the Guyana Chronicle to the site on Sat- crossing. exh head.blu urday proved that stairs have been added Harmon had also previously anTher hea to structure which is nearing completion. the award S. of Jagmohan US$1M Hardcontracts CONTRACTORS are moving apace to nounced awarded to contractor, guish ou complete the pedestrian crossing at Provi- for ware Supplies and Construction Services, home as According to reports earlier this year, the construction of overhead crossings CONTRACTORS are Demerara moving (EBD). apace Atovisit awarded to contractor, S. Jagmohan Hard-friends guia dence, EastJoseph Bank construction of theat overhead Minister State Harmonathad an- ware atfor Peter’s Halland and Eccles,pedestrian EBD. These hom completeof the pedestrian crossing ProviSupplies Construction Services, by the Guyana Chronicle to the site on Sat- crossing. nounced that aproved US$364,246 contract was are also in theirofconstruction phase. frie dence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

A visit the overhead pedestrian urday that stairs have been added for construction Harmon had also previously anto structure which is nounced the award of US$1M contracts by the Guyana Chronicle tonearing the sitecompletion. on Sat- crossing.

According to reports this year, for the construction of overhead crossings anurday proved that stairs have earlier been added Harmon had also previously Minister of State Joseph completion.

Harmon had an- nounced at Peter’sthe Hall and at of Eccles, EBD.contracts These to structure which is nearing award US$1M nounced that a US$364,246 contract was are also in their construction phase.

According to reports earlier this year, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced that a US$364,246 contract was

for the construction of overhead crossings at Peter’s Hall and at Eccles, EBD. These are also in their construction phase.

VehiclesVehicles traversing under the newly constructed pedestrian crossing at Provtraversing under the newly constructed pedestrian crossing at Providence. (Adrian NarineNarine Photos) idence. (Adrian Photos) The deteriorated part of the Bagotville bridge has been removed as construction continues

GAICO employees hard at work on the Bagotville bridge (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Vehicles traversing under the newly constructed pedestrian crossing at Providence. (Adrian Narine Photos)

A wide view of the new overpass at Providence.

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

NATIONAL CRISIS MITIGATION "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

R

ecently several members of the Caribbean family of nations have been faced with one crisis after the other as a result of a series of high intensity hurricanes. These countries have had to muster all the help they can get and go into crisis communication mode to mitigate the impact of these disasters as they chart the recovery process.

Another looming set of crises in the Caribbean results from the inability of our island nations and coastal communities to increase the rate of sustainable economic growth. This slow growth rate, of course, is exacerbated by the natural disasters in the countries that have been affected. The entire region is affected because of the linkages in trade, tourism and policy in the region.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO CHANGE THE STATUS QUO? We need to shift gears now and go into aggressive crisis mitigation mode if we are to reduce the severity, seriousness, and pain brought about by economic stagnation and observe any meaningful change in the short and medium terms.

Government, business, trade unions, civil society and regional organisations have to work together rather than play "tug a war" and dissipate the region's resources.

Governments are the biggest employer in a country. Is this because this number of employees is necessary to carry out the regulatory and service functions of government or could it be that these numbers could be significantly reduced and the productivity of

those who remain be significantly enhanced? The challenge of doing the analysis to determine the optimal size

civil service never seems to be entertained. After all, politically, there is the temptation to think that the larger the civil service the more concerned the government is about people in terms of their job status and family comfort, so why bother. — Romans 12:12

Also, what happens to those who will be displaced if the analysis does find that the civil service can be re-

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

duced? This is where enterprise development comes into play. Give the displaced workers an opportunity to become an entrepreneur rather than an employee. Much lip service is paid to this. Models for implementation exist but yet this concept never receives any significant sustained traction.

Government and the private sector need to work hand in hand to create an enabling environment where businesses thrive and grow on the export market. There is no shortage of business ideas in case the displaced workers decide to take the entrepreneurial plunge. There is no shortage of capable shepherds to provide the necessary business management guidance, including an excellent and innovative fund management system. But there is a shortage of investment funds at the seed working and equity capital levels.

Unions throughout the Caribbean focus on better working conditions for the employees but never overtly on more efficient employees for the businesses. If unions would shift their strategies to increasing employee productivity (labour, technology or process) then I am confident that they will find that their objective of better working conditions and happiness for their constituents will ultimately be improved and sustained.

Civil society comprises a large number of the citizens in a country.

The church, NGOs, service clubs, retired persons who are not tired, associations in different sectors and consumer protection agencies can all help the government and the private sector in the design and support of their programmes as well as being the watchdog on behalf of the general public to maintain optimal levels of operation.

As is exemplified in John C. Maxwell's book "Teamwork makes the Dream Work".

Finally, in the absence of any federal government in the Caribbean, regional sectoral organisations have a responsibility to take the initiative to support the innovative national thrusts.

Let us mitigate the crises that lay ahead by rejoicing in hope for the future, being patient as we face trials and tribulations, being constant in prayer and meditating and listening to the answer to our prayers.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change-Engine Consultant. His email address is basilgf57@gmail .com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com and on www.facebook.com/basilgf.)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh THE CONFESSION

with kitchen scissors and remove vein.

2. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and rub salt in. leave for 15 mins. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towel.

3. Heat 1-1/2 tbsp. oil in pan, add shrimp and stir-fry until shells turn pink and cook for 4-5 mins. until shrimp is cooked throughout, remove from pan.

4. Heat rest of oil, add garlic, ginger and red hot pepper, stir-fry for five seconds.

5. Return shrimp to pan, add chive and cooking sauce, cook stirring until sauce bubbles. Make 3-4

PEPPER SHRIMP

Ingredients: 1 lb. medium sized or large shrimp in shells 31 large cloves of garlic, minced ⁄2 - 1 tsp. crushed red fresh pepper 1(congo) 2- ⁄2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. minced fresh ginger 4 whole green onions or chive thinly sliced Cooking Sauce: 1 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce 1 ⁄2 tbsp. salt 2 tbsps. tomato paste or ketchup 1 ⁄4 c. water 1 tbsp. dry sherry or rum 2 tsp. sugar 11⁄2 tsp. cornstarch Combine all in a bowl.

Method: 1. Cut shrimp through back of shell

“Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose woman.”

The priest asks, “Is that you, little Johnny Parisi?”

“Yes, Father, it is.”

“And who was the woman you were with?”

“I can’t tell you, Father, I don’t want to ruin her reputation.”

“Well, Johnny, I’m sure to find out her name sooner or later, so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?”

“I cannot say.”

“Was it Teresa Volpe?”

“I’ll never tell.”

“Was it Nina Capelli?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot name

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

THE BLACK BELLY SHEEP OF BARBADOS Why do they call it a national treasure?

I

f you travel around the island of Barbados, you will likely notice brownish looking sheep grazing in small pastures or tethered by the roadside. Visitors may at first take them for goats, but most likely they are the famous Barbados Blackbellies.

The Barbados Blackbellies, called one of the island’s national treasures, are hair sheep. Instead of long, wooly coats, hair sheep have coarse hair and a short undercoat. The main difference between hair sheep and wooled sheep is the ratio of hair to wool. All sheep have both hair and wool. In hair sheep, hair fibers predominate; in wool sheep, wool fibers predominate.

Barbados Blackbelly sheep are indigenous to Barbados. Like most hair sheep in the Caribbean, they descended from sheep transported to the islands from West Africa in the 1500s.

They look somewhat like antelopes, and are brown tan or yellow in color.

Why are Barbados Blackbellies valuable? One reason is that they are one of the most reproductive efficient breeds in the world. For this reason alone, more and more sheep farmers in many parts of the world are turning to rearing them.

They are also relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain. For sheep farmers, other attractive features are their reproductive efficiency, resistance to parasites, resistance to foot problems, ability to tolerate heat and humidity, and their lack of wool.

Wool production used to be an important part of the sheep rearing industry. Not as much, these days. Wool is not as profitable as it used to be.

Meat is the primary source of income.

Wooled sheep need shearing. Hair sheep do not. Hair sheep also do not need their tails docked. For health and sanitation reasons, most wool sheep

must have their tails removed.

Another attractive feature of the Barbados Blackbelly is that the lambs have less body fat than other breeds.

Some Barbados restaurants feature local Barbados Blackbelly lamb on the menu and its popularity is likely to grow as people seek to reduce their in-

her.”

“Was it Cathy Piriano?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Was it Rosa Di Angelo, then?”

“Please, Father, I cannot tell you.”

The priest sighs in frustration.

“You’re very tight-lipped, Johnny Parisi, and I admire that.

But you’ve sinned and have to atone. You cannot continue to be an altar boy for four months.

Now you go and behave yourself.”

Johnny walks back to his pew, and his friend Nino slides over and whispers: “What’d you get?”

“Four months vacation and five good leads, Johnny replied, take of fat.

In 1904 the USDA imported blackbellies to its research station in Beltsville, Maryland. The breed was later crossed with European breeds.

Today, the descendants of those blackbellies are quite different from the original. They are trophy or game animals in Texas, and have very large horns, or they are small and agile animals, running all day in sheep dog trials and demonstrations. Occasionally, sheep in the United States are called Barbados Blackbellies even though they do not resemble blackbellies at all. Now, there is renewed interest in the real thing; and to see the real thing, your best bet is Barbados.

Black Belly Sheep of Barbados

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

Ossie is 75 and still going strong W

illiam (Ossie) Kendall celebrated his 75th birthday with a gathering of friends and family at his luxurious home in Elmont, New York, on Saturday, October 7 (his birthday is October 12). It was a real splendid occasion, with friends and family travelling from many parts of the United States, Canada and Guyana to celebrate this important milestone with Ossie.

Ossie who hails from New Amsterdam, Berbice in Guyana, migrated to the United States many years ago, but kept in contact with most of his friends, who also migrated to different parts of North America, and those who didn’t he saw by frequently visiting his homeland.

The organizer of this spectacular occasion was his wife Barbara, who also performed the duties of Mistress of Ceremonies. The team

of the program was one of Ossie’s famous quotes “AGE DOESN’T MATTER . . . IF THE MATTER DOESN’T AGE.” The celebration was an indoor/outdoor affair, with lots to eat and drink and the music was a mixture of old school and disco, so all the attendees young and old partied until the wee hours of the morning.

In his reply to the many well wishers, Ossie thanked them, and all present for helping him to cele-

They all came to celebrate this remarkable milestone with Ossie. brate this special milestone. He said many of his friends and even his father the famous W. O. R. Kendall, who everyone called (Ruddy) did not achieve this age. He also made reference to his boyhood friend Stanley Leopold Rohlehr, who passed away in June and thanked Stanley’s wife, Elizabeth for allowing him to share a last meal and spend some quality time with her husband, he also mentioned his mother-in-law Joyce Facey, who passed away a few days before the celebration (she was 92).

Ossie surrounded by some of his friends replying to the many well wishers . . . to his right are his daughter Natasha, granddaughter Lorraine (Raine) and wife Barbara — Note the quote at top left.

The management and staff of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle, some of whom were present at this wonderful occasion wish Ossie “A Happy Birthday”, God’s richest blessings and hope he lives to see many, many more.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

13

Happy Diwali – Richmond Hill celebrates good over evil T

he skies over Richmond Hill, Queens was a spectacular vision of light, as the annual Diwali Hindu Festival of Lights, was celebrated with a Motorcade of more that 20 cars, vans and floats decorated with thousands of multicolored lights and flowers.

Thanks to Lakshmee Singh of the Divya Jyoti Association, and other community leaders, the festival that kicked-off with a day-long fair on the Arya Spiritual Center Ground on 133rd

By TANGERINE CLARKE

Street, on October 14, was a resounding success.

Prominent author, columnist, and educator, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, was the

Grand Marshall of the annual motorcade along Liberty Avenue, against the backdrop of colorful costumes, music and dance the “Hindu festival celebrated Good over Evil.”

Dr. Narine, President of the Shri Trimurti Bhavan Hindu Temple, who has served the community for over 40 years, said Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil, and dispelling of the darkness with light, he added that it was an honor to represent the

One of the many colorfully decorated floats moving along Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill. (all pictures by Tangerine Clarke)

Parade participants, including Grand Marshall, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine (center holding child) and Lakshmee Singh before the parade.

Costume-clad parader at the parade.

community as Grand Marshall.

“Diwali dispels the darkness in our lives. The little round diyas that are lit on the streets, welcomed Rama from exile when he came back to triumph over his kingdom,” said Dr. Narine, dressed in traditional Indian regalia.

“I feel exuberant, it is triumphant for our community to show at this time, and in the history of our country, Guyana, and the world, that we need peace more than anything else, so we brought together people from all over the world today so that we can walk in peace, and celebrate light.” added Dr. Narine, who was later presented with a Citation from the office of Mayor Bill deBlasio.

Hundreds of residents lined Liberty Avenue, to enjoy the spec-

tacular motorcade of cars, vans and floats decorated with flowers, and fairy lights, that lit up the skyline over the neighborhood. Many of the floats, carried bejeweled men, women and children, showcasing the beauty of the festival.

Organizer, Lakshmee Singh, who herself looked stunning in a green Indian Sari, with gold accents, and matching jewels, welcomed participants to the annual parade that was kicked-off with the smashing of a coconut.

Miss World Guyana 2017 Vena Mookram, decked out in a purple-jeweled sari, was among many who embraced the colorful parade, celebrated with the spirited beating of Tassa drums, and recorded Indian music.

Some of the participants included the Shri Trimurti Bhavan Divya JyotiAssociation, Sri Dura Mandir, the Indo-Caribbean Federation N.A. and NYPD Desi Society, representing the

South-Asian American Police Officers, among others.

Winner of the best-decorated float was Sri Durga Mandir, 2nd Prize — Sanasani Cultural Organizatioin, 3rd Prize – the Balesar Family, 4th Prize —Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir and 5th Prize — Shiv Kala Dance Academy.

The five celebrity judges were: Bindu Kohli — ITV Gold, Hema Tiga Augustus —Bacchanal Radio, Nadia Nalini Neubert — Mrs. Bollywood 2017, Roxanne Seunarine —Awesome TV and Sheena Balgobin — Guyana Chunes Abee Radio, they had a tough time of adjudicating the 16 magnificently decorated vehicles in the Motorcade.

The honored tradition, that sees lit diyas stewed in the yards of homes, and observed with sweet treats, began with an all-day explosion of music, chants, burning of incense, food, and a Pooja and Hawan religious service at the Arya Spiritual Center Grounds, in Richmond Hill.

After the parade, the festival later culminated with a cultural extravaganza at the Arya Spiritual Center Grounds, with performances by Shelly Ramnanan Cultural Dance School, Natraj Centre for the Performing Arts, Sanasani Cultural Organization, the Krishna Mandir Youth Group, David Ali Dance Group, and others.

Diwali is a national holiday in countries with large Hindu populations, such as Guyana, India, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago. The nationals brought Diwali with them when they immigrated to Guyana, Trinidad, and other Caribbean Islands in the 19th century.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October20, 19, 2017 2017

The grand Diwali motorcade: A distinctive Guyanese celebration

One float showing Lord Rama and his wife Sita (seated above), Lakshmana and Hanuman alongside four little Goddess Lakshmis (seated in the Lotuses).

THIS tradition has persisted for more than decades – the annual Diwali motorcade – and with each passing year, participants come together to create beautiful, moving displays seeking to illustrate the significance of the festival.

This year, the grand motorcade began, as it usually does, at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbellville. Twenty-seven splendidly lit and decorated floats made their way along Sandy Babb Street, departing for their journey to the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Centre ground.

As the Guyana Chronicle manoeuvred through the streets as the motorcade was passing, it was quite evident that persons were completely absorbed in the procession, many taking photos or videos to feast their eyes on later.

With innovation and modernity stepping in more and more each year, the tradition of floats built upon horse carts has given way

to those mounted upon cars, tractors and trucks,

horses and other pack animals, transforming into the

A young girl depicts Goddess Lakshmi in the foreground, while in the background is an older Goddess Lakshmi and her husband Lord Vishnu

to turn back the hands of time and joined the motor-

Golden Fleece Mandir went for a balance between

cade with their inspired, horse-drawn carriage. The

tradition and modernity with a tractor-mounted

The Golden Fleece Mandir’s float

what was previously a procession primarily featuring

titular motorcade. This year however, one group sought

De Willem Hindu Temple’s unique design with Lord Vishnu atop Garuda

float led by illuminated pseudo-horses.

The usual representations of the various elements of the story behind the festival were all there.

There were several floats depicting the Lakshmi Ma, the goddess of light and prosperity with whom the festival is most associated.

Also represented was hued Lord Rama with his arrow and bow, his wife Sita, his brother Lakshmana and his faithful servant Hanuman illustrates another belief of the genesis of Diwali.

The crowd’s favourite however, seemed to be the larger float created by folks at the De Willem Hindu Temple because of its unique presentation of having Lord Vishnu seated atop his legendary mount, the mythical bird Garuda protruding in this instant from the face of a truck.

While many patrons lamented the controversy surrounding the actual date for Diwali, generally Hindus and non-Hindus alike called for unity.

Blast from the past! A fairytale- inspired float

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 19, 2017 15

State House to become cultural mecca – President announces at venue’s first ever Diwali Utsav

By Alexis Rodney PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday committed to making State House a cultural mecca of sorts for Guyanese of all ethnicities.

He also promised that the event held on the lawns there, under what is called a Baridi Benab, will become an annual feature.

Caught up no doubt in the spirit of the season, this being the Festival of Lights and the triumph of good over evil, the president made the foregoing announcements while hosting members of the Hindu community at his official residence for what has been touted as the first ever Diwali Utsav to be held there.

For the grand occasion, the benab was transformed into a temple-like setting as special invitees, among them ministers of the government and members of the diplomatic corps, sat around and were treated to special performances from various groups.

According to President Granger, the story of Ram and Seeta, which many Guyanese had the opportunity to witness for the first time Tuesday evening, really demystifies the religious precepts, and draws the country closer together.

The event at reference was a special Diwali cultural programme hosted by the Ministry of Social Cohesion

on Main Street.

Said the President: “Diwali is particularly important for us, because it is the Festival of Lights. It is the festival which symbolises the victory of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance, of togetherness over divisiveness and is a lesson that all Guyanese could learn that it is not only a Hindu thing, it is a national thing.”

Noting that anything which brings Guyanese closer together is a good thing, the president said that every region across Guyana should hold Diwali observances, as it is a national celebration.

“It is no longer a colloquial or geographical observance,” he said. “Every

Guyanese needs to learn the lessons of coming together and overcoming poverty, overcoming illiteracy and ignorance and divisiveness.”

The historian in him coming to the fore, President Granger recalled that back when Guyana was a colony, the celebration of religious events like Diwali was prohibited.

He sees the opportunity to be part of the grandeur of the occasion as a gift of independence, which is why he feels that the holiday must be used to build respect and understanding among Guyanese of all races and creeds.

Meanwhile, Swami Aksharanandan of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan Secondary

President David Granger addressing guests during the hosting of Diwali Utsav on the grounds of State House late Wednesday

School weighed in on the continuous feud over the date for Diwali celebration.

“It is only one single organisation in this entire hemisphere that insists that Diwali must be done at a certain time,” the Swami said, adding: “This kind of stupidity can only be matched by the amount of disdain that these people have for the very people of whom they claim to care about.

“What else can it be, if they know what the truth is and are confident of what the truth is. But I am absolutely sure they know what the right thing is.”

Over the next five days, Hindus will be celebrating the remainder of the Diwali festival.

President Granger with students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan Secondary School. Seated behind them are Ministers of Government and members of the diplomatic corps (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Agricultural agencies join forces – to crack down on praedial larceny THE issue of praedial larceny and its negative impact on local farmers was the focus of a recent workshop held at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) headquarters in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The GLDA, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Law Enforcement from Jamaica and local farmers have joined forces in an effort to tackle the theft of farm produce.

Chief Executive Officer of GLDA, Mr Nigel Cumberbatch said that the Authority views the act of praedial larceny as a serious offence and is committed to supporting any initiative that seeks to protect farmers from losing their livestock.

business and should be treated as such. To that effect, praedial larceny severely

CARICOM’s Mr Nigel Durant

“We are committed to ensuring that if we cannot eliminate larceny of agricultural products, we can at least reduce it to the point where it does not affect the farming community,” Cumberbatch said.

CARICOM representative, Mr Nigel Durant observed that agriculture is a

GLDA’s Mr Nigel Cumberbatch

impacts the profitability of businesses and the incentive to continue in the field. With the exception of Jamaica, most other member states

have not successfully addressed the issue.

“This initiative that you are involved in right now is an outcome of the deliberations and discussions that are being held at the regional level… this is the beginning; the transfer of best practices I think is essential element,” Durant explained.

Cecil Persaud, representing the Minister of Agriculture, emphasised the importance of legislation to address the issue and suggested the implementation of stringent penalties and fines be placed on persons who commit the act. He referred to the example of Jamaica, where persons found guilty are liable to fines up to three million Jamaican dollars, which is equivalent to over six million Guyana dollars.

“We must have a system where we can have justice very quickly,” he said. “We must have both the investiga-

Participants at the workshop

tive aspects and the adjudicative aspects made up in such a manner that things can be expedited and farmers are encouraged to report incidents of Praedial Larceny.”

It was recently announced that the government will table a Bill in the next parliament to address this issue. While legislation exists, there is a greater need for enforcement to stem the theft of agricultural produce.

The last known amendment, “praedial larceny (enhancement of punishment act 1983)” sought to increase fines from five hundred dollars or imprisonment for six months to, “not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars together with imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than eighteen months.” (DPI)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

Palms to get three elevators by year-end

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

Palms Administrator, Ms Samantha Douglas

THE 220 residents of the Palms Geriatric Home are in for a treat before this year is over, as three elevators are expected to be installed to ease their burden of climbing up and down the stairs.

The administrator, Ms. Samantha Douglas, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that the base of the three lifts have already been completed, and that the next phase of the project is for the contractor to install the elevators, which are being funded by the Guyana government.

In an invited comment on the sidelines of a health fair at the Brickdam facility, Douglas further said: “We always look for initiatives to help improve the lives of the residents, and since it is very difficult for them, the lifts would be very helpful.

“We are pushing for it to be finished by the end of the year or before.”

At the moment, the Palms

has 74 caregivers and one registered nurse, Ms. Malena Elias Cox DeSouza.

“We have about 220 residents, but we have the capacity to facilitate 240,” the administrator said.

“We need registered nurses and ward sisters who would be able to supervise and help the caregivers, so that a better service can be given. Supervision is very important,” she added.

The facility’s Matron, Ms. Deborah Murphy, said that the health fair was just another activity to mark the observance of ‘Month of the Elderly.’ The event featured a mini blood drive, counselling and testing, and a skin clinic among other activities.

The remaining activities for the month include a fun day at the National Park; a poetry, photoshoot and spa day; a tea party and evening of culture; and a brunch and barbecue.

The Palms Geriatric Home

Residents of the Palms at the health fair

Director of Public Health Clinic/Skin Clinic Ms Heather Morris-Wilson (second left) and her team at the health fair

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

17

Good Luck! Miss World Guyana – Vena Mookram – N by Tangerine Clarke

ineteen-year old Vena Mookram, Miss World Guyana 2017, received a resounding welcome from fellow Guyanese when she arrived at a reception hosted by Ms. Geeta ChandanEdmond, Chairman of the Board of the Guyana National Newspapers, Ltd., to formally launch the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper at the elegant, Zen Hibachi Lounge in Richmond Hill, Queens. Members of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance Patricia Jordan-Langford, Rozanna Beaumont, Yvonne Rambaran and Mohamed Safie, also Ann Narine and Hardat Singh, proprietors of the Zen Lounge were also there to extend best wishes to Miss Mookram, who will represent Guyana at the Miss World Beauty Pageant on November 18, in China.

The gracious, gorgeous Ms. Mookram, who was accompanied by Miss World Guyana Franchise Holder Ms. Natasha Blu Martindale, also visited the Guyana Consulate New York, and was welcomed by The Honorable Barbara Atherly earlier in the week.

Vena enjoyed an elegant evening of cocktails and photo-opportunities, and mingled with Senator Roxanne Persaud, and Executes of the Guyana National Newspapers, Ltd. — Mrs. Moshamie Ramotar, Mrs. Geeta Chandra-Edmond, and Bert Wilkinson, from Guyana, and Dennis Nelson, of the New

Diabetes Prevention as her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ platform, when she competes at the Miss World 2017 pageant on November 18, in Sanya, China.

The fitness enthusiast, said ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ measures how much you give back to your community, as such, she has conducted outreach programs in the regions of Essequibo and Berbice, and recorded PSAs, to promote healthy lifestyles, and exercise, and to remind citizens of the dangers of Diabetes.

“I encourage those affected, to take their insulin, and I tell others, to get tested, stay on a healthy diet, and get into a regiment of physical activity.

This will go a long way,” said the pageant contestant.

“I take this personally, that is the reason my focus is on intervention.

“I always thought pageantry was only about glitz and glamour, but when I won the crown, I realized how much hard work it takes to uphold the standards of Miss World Guyana,” said the graduate of Guyana’s top schools, Bishop’s High, and Queens College.

“It has been a wonderful opportunity so far. I am only 19-years old and to have learned so much in such a short time is phenomenal”, added Ms. Mookram, completed the Miss World Guyana, Vena Mookram with her who Caribbean Advanced Profimother Mrs. Mookram. ciency Examination York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. She (CAPE), and plans to attend the University later expressed her gratitude to all who had of Guyana to study business, following in the given her the red carpet welcome at the footsteps of her parents who are entrepreQueens hotspot. neurs.

Miss Mookram, who arrived in China Ms. Mookram, who has a twin sister, on October 19, to begin a month of competi- and one brother, said she is always questions, hails from the village of Diamond on tioned about her lineage, as to whether she is the East Bank of Demerara, she is dedicated of mixed race, but she clarifies that both of to bringing about awareness of Diabetes, a her parents are Indo-Guyanese. cause that is dear to her heart.

She is excited about representing She is on a crusade to save as many peo- Guyana among the multitude of beauties ple as possible, from becoming victims of Di- from around the world, and will focus on the abetes, a disease that has taken the life of one competition at hand. She loves to read, exergrandmother, and is now affecting another. cise and travel, and wants the world to know During a recent, exclusive, interview that not all beauty queens are ‘stuck-up”. with the Guyana Chronicle, the 5’7” tall “I am the most humble person you could beauty queen spoke passionately about using meet. I could be approached at any time for

Patricia Jordan-Langford, Proprietors of Zen Hibachi Lounge, Ann Narine and Hardat Singh with Miss World Guyana, Vena Mookram.

advice. I love people in general,” she noted. official Miss World website to cast votes to The queen said her biggest challenge multiply her competition numbers. before entering the pageant, was lacked of #journeytochina #MW2017 #missself-confidence, and one of the reasons she world #missworldguyana #missworld2017 The Guyanese community wish Ms. entered the pageant in the first place. However she quickly saw improvements in the Vena Mookram, Good Luck at the Miss way she carries herself and the way to ap- World 2017 pageant.

Check local TV listings for pageant proach people.

“Much more improvement is needed, broadcast. but I have made great improvement since I entered the pageant,” she said.

The Miss World Guyana organization has set up a ‘GoFundMe’ campaign. Ms. Mookram will benefit from this campaign, since funds are needed to cover expenses related to her wardrobe, and completion pieces, inclusive of related training for the Miss World competition. You can check out: https://www.gofund me.com/mwg 2017.

Miss World Guyana Yvonne Rambaran, Claire Patterson-Monah and Vena Mookram requests Rozanna Beaumont with Miss World Guyana Vena that her fans follow her on Facebook, as well as the Mookram.

Members of the Guyana Tri-state Alliance, Mr. Mohamed Safie, Yvonne Rambaran and Patricia Jordan-Langford with the lovely Miss World Guyana, Vena Mookram

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

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Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business The Edgar Henry Column

O

f all the various forms of real estate ventures, investing in vacant land probably provides the greatest opportunity for creativity and profit. Ranging from the simple purchase of an improved lot; to the more complicated accumulation of hundreds of acres of land; held for speculative investment purposes.

The goal of most land buyers is to own the right property in the right place at the right time, in order to command the highest possible return on an investment. Depending on the individual’s investment strategy, vacant land can provide a viable alternative to the ownership of improved income property.

Raw acreage presents the investor with an opportunity to diversify holdings, earn high profits and offset the risks of loss from other investments.

High profits are inevitably balanced by high risks, and vacant land investments are probably more affected by uncontrollable outside events that any other type of real estate. Furthermore since land is not depreciable for tax purposes, a beginning investor is well advised to start a portfolio with improved income property. In this way, the investor can maximize his or her financial position through the use of the tax shelters, which improved property provides. Whenever income taxes have been significantly minimized through investment tax shelters, the investor is in a stronger financial position for speculation with vacant land.

Whether the investor in vacant land is a speculator for profit or a developer of buildings, the property’s location and physical make up and property features will have a significant impact on the success of the investment. In addition, development costs, community attitudes, and timing strategies affect the land investor’s potential profits.

PROPERTY LOCATION Primarily, the location of land determines its potential future growth in value.

Although some enterprising promoters have earned large profits from sale of parcels of relatively isolated land, well-situated property is more likely to increase in value. For instance, land lying within a three-mile radius on either side of a major highway connecting two neighboring communities is almost certain to increase in value over time.

Similarly, the purchase of raw acreage at the periphery of a community by an investor who wishes to hold the land for appreciation requires an educated prediction of the direction in which the city intends to expand. An incorrect estimate of future growth patterns will result in the investor’s waiting longer for

Investing in Land profit realization.

This relationship of location to value is equally applicable to single lots as well as to large parcels of land. For example, a lot purchased on a major artery in anticipation of future zoning for a more intensive use may prove to be an extremely profitable investment, if and only if the neighborhood grows in that direction. The reverse of the situation is also true.

However if a lot located on the exterior boundary and far removed from a sub division which overlooks a large vacant parcel of land may well diminish the lot’s value.

PROPERTY FEATURES The physical features of vacant land, such as the topography and soil composition, are as important as location in terms of future profitability. “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” A parcel of land’s physical features may be economically advantageous to one owner and disadvantageous to another. A parcel of land may be inefficient for farming but desirable for a high-priced home with attractive views and water front property.

Likewise unimproved acreage near a large city may be less useful for cattle grazing than for developing a suburban community.

Purchasers of single lots within a city must also be aware of the physical characteristics of their land. A lot’s location, contours, drainage, soil quality, and rezoning potential affect its value. Interior subdivi-

sions, parking and enhancement positions are essential to the buyer of a house lot, while railroad tracks and highways are significant features of an industrial parcel. Retail and office developments require access to major traffic arteries, while apartments and mobile home dwellers seek public transportation facilities with neighborhood convenient support systems.

TIMING “Buy low sell high” is axiomatic to any investor seeking a profit, and proper timing is key to both of these accomplishments.

Timing is a particularly important factor in real estate investments because by their very nature, these investments are long term. At times it is easy to buy real estate, but quite a bit more difficult to sell it, and in some unfortunate instances, it can become impossible to give it away, as some individuals would not even accept it as a gift.

Land speculation requires a greater awareness of timing than many other real estate investments, since most land does not produce income during the holding period.

It is held by the investor pending a rise in value. The longer this interim holding period lasts, the less will be the investment’s annual yield.

In addition to the vacant land’s initial purchase price, the investor must make cash expenditure for mortgage payments, property taxes, — no insurance — and the cost of making improvements and maintenance of the land. Unless the property can be leased for some income generating activity, vacant land requires constant financial support during its investment life.

Depending on a lot’s location and characteristics, some owners will seek to minimize their holding costs by renting their properties as parking or used car lots during the waiting period. Owners of larger parcels have found it expedient to develop farm or ranch operations while waiting for the property to appreciate in value.

However, if land investors have knowledge that minerals or the possibility of oil is below the land surface the old mantra takes center stage “Better rocks than stocks”, meaning it is more beneficial to invest in the potential of what is beneath the surface than in the haphazard stock market.

Because most land holdings do not produce regular income, this form of investment is recommended for the investor who has accumulated numerous income properties that, in addition to cash flows needed to carry the investment, would develop desired depreciation shelters as well.

“It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

To have all your real estate questions answered — FREE CONSULTATION — call: Edgar Henry @ (718) 930-9526

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

Bandit drops ID card

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--during failed ‘carjacking’ bid A HIRE car driver who operates from the Soesdyke-Linden Highway junction escaped with minor injuries and his car after a “customer” attempted to hijack his vehicle on Sunday.

Reports are that the assailant approached Lester Grant at the “Soesdyke Junction” about hiring his car, HC5527, to take him “across the river” to the West Demerara.

But while they were in the vicinity of Crane, the customer, on the pretext that he wanted to urinate, asked him to stop so he could ‘relieve’

himself.

Though the report doesn’t say, Grant must’ve complied, which gave his assailant ample opportunity to pounce and assault him with a bottle. Grant reportedly put up a fight, which caused the would-be carjacker to flee the scene, leaving behind a bag with an identification card inside it.

According to the particulars on the ID card, the would-be carjacker is 21-year-old Michael Damian Tamesar.

The matter was reported to the Vreed-en-Hoop, as well as the Timehri Police

Stations.

Meanwhile, a University of Guyana student sustained injuries in the head after he was assaulted and relieved of his car soon after arriving at his Herstelling, East Bank Demerara home on Monday night.

The young man, 24-yearold Ryan Seecharran, was attacked by bandits who stole his Toyota Allion motorcar bearing registration PVV 4911.

There has been a spate of carjacking in recent weeks. To date, the Guyana Police Force has not pronounced on the issue.

The would-be ‘carjacker’

No one came to take him home the man contacted through an investigation by the Guyana Chronicle said that he had believed that the man was still in Suriname and said he was shocked by the news of his death.

“He been living in Suriname since the 1980s and had been coming and going every

DEOROO, the middle-aged man who was abandoned at the Fort Wellington Hospital by relatives and who through the pages of the Guyana Chronicle made an appeal for relatives to take him home, died at the Hospital on Monday last without having his heart’s desire.

His cause of death was determined to be infection of the scalp.

While he was alive, the man was occasionally lucid and had at such times disclosed that he hails from Ruimzigt on the West Coast of Demerara and had children living there.

He told officials that his wife was deceased and that he had travelled to Suriname to work recently but had taken ill.

He said he was brought back to Guyana by a Guyanese woman who had been moved by the poor circumstances in which she had seen him living in Suriname.

Meanwhile a relative of

DEOROO

Major fraud uncovered at T&HD Parika office PERSONNEL at the Transport and Harbours Departmen (T&HD), Parika Stelling, are peeved that moves may be afoot to cover-up a major fraud uncovered following a recent audit.

According to reports, an audit of the Department’s books was conducted during the second quarter of 2017 at its office at Parika, on the East Bank of Essequibo.

When the audit was completed, it was discovered that the receipt books were tampered with. The fraud may

have been in progress since April, 2016 but came to a sudden halt in May this year.

Reports are that several cashiers, who are still on the job, have been fingered in the fraudulent activity.

A source familiar with the situation, told the Guyana Chronicle that the cashiers would issue receipts to truck drivers who utilise the services of the Essequibo River ferry service, offered by the T&HD. The cashiers would then remove the carbon copied leaves from the books “so

it would look as if no trucks pass,” the source said.

Given the period over which the activity was happening, the T&HD may have lost millions of dollars. A source at Parika noted that the auditors brought the matter to the attention of the Department’s head but nothing came out of it.

The T&HD operates several ferry vessels along the Essequibo River daily. The service is seen as critical, as it bridges the economic link along the waterway.

now and then,” the relative said.

He said that the man had three children who are now adults but he had become estranged from them since they were at a tender age.

He said that he would alert other relatives of the passing of the man and they would see what they could do.

Meanwhile, hospital authorities told the Guyana Chronicle that they would allow relatives some time to retrieve the body and if they failed to do so Deoroo would be buried in a ‘potter’s field’ - a common grave, which is a place for unknown or indigent people.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

Mabaruma gets new all-weather road

WORKS on an all-weather road at Mabaruma has been completed and the contractor is expected to commence work soon on a similar project at the Kumaka Stretch, the town’s business hub.

Reports are that works to the roadway linking the Mabaruma airstrip to the main public road in the Region One (Barima/Waini) town was recently completed.

A three-week period is being utilised to monitor the structure’s durability, following which it will be opened to motorists.

Mohammed Ramzan Ally Khan was awarded contracts earlier in the year to undertake concrete works in two

lots in the area.

The contracts, which were awarded by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, entail concrete works to the road close to the town’s airstrip ($82.1M) as well as the Kumaka Stretch ($66.2M).

Works on the latter project are expected to commence soon. At the moment, the roadway is being graded while trenches are being constructed along its shoulders.

Another firm is expected to construct a pavement which will complement the stretch.

Rainy weather conditions were hampering the commencement of concrete road works to the roadway in the area; the all-weather roads are being built for the first

A resident walks along the all-weather road which was constructed at Mabaruma

time in the town.

Region One’s first town has been plagued with potholed roads over the years.

During 2016, the roadways in the region were in a deplorable state for weeks as slothfulness by the contractor was cited as a factor in remedying the situation.

In September last year, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said persons have complained of their inability to secure contracts for works across the country, but their ability to undertake works are hampered by identified challenges such as availability of equipment, since some contractors would have more than one contract and continue to bid for more.

In April this year, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon announced at a post-Cabinet press briefing that Cabinet has granted its approval for the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of six lots of all-weather roads in Mabaruma and Port Kaituma.

He said Minister Patterson has undertaken to visit and witness the works to be undertaken.

Mabaruma is undergoing several changes in its infrastructure as the government, as well as the town council, is working to improve the general aesthetics of the town. A mega-solar farm is among several projects which are expected to impact the town’s development.

Violence: An American Addiction (from page 7) deed, with their command position over people, the cops act out this insecurity by criminalizing individuals in advance. No legal principle need be involved. There is only the militarist principle. When the pregnant woman steps away from the cop, she is breaking no law. To force her to ground and handcuff her is far from anything intended by the principle of due process in the Constitution.”

Today, Americans do not just engage in high levels of violence, they are also entertained by it. This toxic irrationality and lure of more and more violence is mimicked by America’s aggressive foreign policy, in the sanctioning of state torture, and in the gruesome killing of civilians by drones. This return to Wild West violence-laden culture should have no place in a modern, more enlightened society but the “new normal” is based on quixotic, addictive behavior and fixation with violence as the way to settle any and all disagreements. Its is egged on and encouraged by America’s top political leaders – from the president on down – using the language of violence in their daily pronouncements and public utterings. President Donald Trump’s “I can shoot someone on 5th Avenue” statement was met with huge applause for adoring moronic supporters. We

now “kill or capture” our enemies, “take out” those we don’t like and “go after the bad guys.” For example, this normalization of violence can be seen in the fact that when some act of mass murder or terrorism happens the United States, Federal and local state governments pull out all the stops to clean up after the fact. Yet, amazingly these same governments are loath to pass one meaningful piece of legislation that would save a child’s life.

ture of violence produced, in part, by the wide and unchecked availability of guns.

It is true that America’s fascination with guns and violence functions firstly as a form of sport and entertainment, while offering the false promise of security, which even trumps a more general fear of violence on the part of terrorists. In this illogic scenario one not only kills terrorists with drones, but also makes sure that “patriotic Americans” are individually jacked up on fear juice, armed to the teeth so they can use force to protect themselves against the dangers deliberately whipped up in a culture of fear and mass hysteria produced and promoted by right-wing politicians, “expert pundits,” and the corporate controlled media.

and lurid in order to provide and infuse the pleasure quotient with more and more shocks. Americans now live in “a culture of the immediate” which functions “as an escape from the past” and a view of the future as one of menace, insecurity, and potential violence.

Finally, there is a covert structure of politics at work in this type of sanctioned irrationality. For example, advocating for gun rights provides a convenient discourse for ignoring a harsh neoliberal corporate-state order that routinely generates pervasive material suffering, social dislocation, and psychological despair—worsening conditions that ensure violence in its many expressions. It says nothing about a corrupt system of financiers, bankers and hedge fund managers who invest in the arms industries and trade in profits at the expense of human life, all the while contributing to the United States being the largest arms exporter and dealer in the world. More specifically, the call for gun rights also conveniently side steps and ignores criticizing a popular culture and corporate controlled media which uses violence to attract viewers, increase television ratings, produce Hollywood blockbusters, and sell video games that celebrate first person shooters.

The Children’s Defense Fund is correct in woefully stating, “Where is our anti-war movement here at home? Why does a nation with the largest military budget in the world refuse to protect its children from relentless gun violence and terrorism at home? No external enemy ever killed thousands of children in their neighborhoods, streets The fact is that today in Amerand schools year in and year out.” ica popular culture not only trades Indeed, it is truly a serious in violence as entertainment, but it symptom of irrationality when also delivers violence to a society American politicians repeatedly addicted to an endless barrage of lose their heads in a tizzy over the sensations, an addiction to instant mere threat of terrorism, even sacri- gratification, and a pleasure princificing our civil liberties, but conve- ple steeped in graphic and extreme niently ignore the fact that “30,000 images of human suffering, mayAmericans die in gun violence hem, and torture. Violence is now every year (compared to the 17 who represented without the need for eidied (in 2012) in terrorist attacks.” ther subtlety or critical examination.

In fact, the fear of terrorism, hang- Now relieved of its pedagogical neing over the heads of every jittery cessity to instruct, violence is unViolence in America IS as post 9/11 American, appears to feed, tethered from its moral significance, American as apple pie. recuperate, and expand a toxic cul- just as it becomes more plentiful

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 71 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your ability to ferret out secret information will lead you to an inside scoop on an amazing financial deal. Be careful; you may say something you’ll regret later. You need to get out if you want to meet potential partners. Be careful what you say. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. You will be able to make changes regarding your living arrangements. Unforeseen changes in your location are apparent. You should feel a little more stable about your position; however, don’t be surprised if a job offer comes your way. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You need to spend some time pampering yourself. Over-indulgence will be a problem if you are out in a social setting. Travel could be in order.

Try to communicate if you wish to help. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Don’t let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans. Make sure any presentation you have is ready. You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect. Use your quick wit to win points and friends. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

LEO (July 23 -Aug 22) You can meet potential new mates, but make sure that they aren’t already committed to someone else. Talk about your intentions and confirm that you both feel the same way. Talking to those you trust and respect will help you sort out any problems. You may not be able to help, but your support will be favorable. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Do not get into uncertain financial deals. Be quiet about your intentions or ideas that might bring added cash. Don’t vacillate about asking for assistance if you need it. Try not to lose your cool, and make your point known. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Opportunities to show your worth will enhance your reputation and bring possible advancement. Try to spend more time with children and relatives.

Get the whole family involved in a worthwhile cause or cultural event.

You need to spend some time with individuals who have more experience than you. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make. You should socialize with clients or upper echelons of your industry if possible. Entertain those who can provide you with valuable information and knowledge. You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume this month. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Exercise programs will be effective. Communication will be the source of your knowledge and you must be sure to spend time with those who have more experience. Controversial subjects should be avoided at all costs.

You will be overly generous with children this month. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your intellectual wit will bring greater popularity with your peers. Real estate should be lucrative for you. Try to channel your energy into physical work. Organize your house and be sure to include the whole family in the projects you have set out to do. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income.

Opportunities to learn important information will surface through discussions with peers or seminars you attend. Be sure to catch up on overdue correspondence and help those you love find solutions to their dilemmas.

This will be a very hectic day if you’ve made promises to too many people. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You will have a productive day if you organize yourself well at work.

Travel opportunities should be your first choice. Use your head and do things to your liking. Be sure to organize events that will keep the children busy. Your luckiest events next week will occur on a Wednesday.

ACROSS 1. Expense 5. Prepare tea 9. “Garfield” creator Davis 12. “___ in a Manger” 13. Where Des Moines is 14. Eddie Cantor’s wife 15. Confuse 16. On an even ___ 17. Deli sandwich, for short 18. Dove’s home 20. Certain joints 22. Depletes funds 24. “ ___ Jude” 25. Handles successfully 26. Fine cotton sheeting 30. Can.’s neighbor 31. “The Good Wife” network 32. Grassy field

W O R D F I N D

V 1 S I T I N G

ABBEVILLE AJACCIO ALENCON AVIGNON BAYONNE BORDEAUX CAMBRAI CHAMBERY CHARTRES DENAIN DIEPPE DIJON DOLE DOUAI

33. Intimidates 36. Office notes 38. That female 39. Salt additive 40. Soak in the tub 43. Big gulp 44. In the past 45. Stuntman Knievel 48. Ocean liner 51. Plead 52. Mideast bread 53. ___ von Bismarck 54. Newspaper inserts 55. Sewing junction 56. Wall St. abbr.

DOWN 1. Trucker’s enclosure 2. Night bird 3. Cooking vessel 4. Actor Power 5. Ten-speeds, e.g.

6. Shad product 7. Woolly mama 8. Pacer 9. Correspond 10. Out of work 11. Gym pads 19. Gridiron scores (abbr.)

21. “Annie” song 22. Pond coating 23. Model 24. “___ So Fine” 26. Noncommercial TV letters 27. Omnipotent 28. Boxer Spinks 29. Relieve 31. Fair grade 34. Fireplace fragment 35. Sounds of baby chick 36. Do yardwork 37. The Wizard of Menlo Park 39. Eastern religion 40. Ali ___ 41. Became ripe 42. Clothes 46. Compete 47. Seventh Greek letter 49. “ ___ a miracle!”

50. Edgar Allan

F R A N C E HAUTMONT LILLE LOURDES LYON MARSEILLE MONTAUBAN NICE ORLEANS PARIS REIMS REZE TOULOUSE TOURS VESOUL

ISSUE 71 WORDFIND ANSWER

22 10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October20, 19,2017 2017

Young Gordon admitted to bar

By Svetlana Marshall AT 23, Attorney-at-Law Ornise Gordon is on a mission to provide much-needed legal services to the poor and vulnerable as she kickstarts her career at the Linden Legal Aid Centre in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

Gordon – daughter of the former Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman of the Linden Town Council, Orrin Gordon -- was admitted to the Bar on Tuesday by Justice Simone Ramlall after a petition was placed before the High Court by Attorney Mayo Robertson.

Before a room filled with relatives and friends, who from all indications were glowing with excitement, Robertson rose and petitioned the High Court for the young Lindener to be admitted to the Bar. Gordon was presented with her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) shortly after completing her studies at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year. Prior to that she had obtained her Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) at the University of Guyana (UG).

Gordon attended the Mackenzie High School from 2005-2012, during which time she wrote 11 subjects at the Caribbean Second-

ary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations and six subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), achieving passes in all subjects.

In 2015 and 2016, Gordon completed internship at the Linden Legal Aid Centre, Attorney Robertson detailed while bringing to the court’s attention that his cousin’s decision to give back to her hometown was done with the

A proud Ornise Gordon stands at the High Court just after being admitted to the Bar on Tuesday

people in mind.

At the Linden Legal Aid Centre, he said Gordon, in offering her legal services, would defend the poor and powerless in their pursuit of justice. He told Justice

Ramlall that he has advised Gordon to be respectful of the Bench, stating that “when a judge moves in your favour, it is always thanks your honour,” and the same applies when the judgment is not favourable.

For Robertson, he has no doubt that his cousin would live up to the high standards of the Court, as he referenced her reputable family background.

Justice Ramlall, in offering congratulatory remarks, said Gordon is no stranger to her. Gordon and Justice Ramlall are alumni from the same alma mater. Additionally, Justice Ramlall recalled that Gordon’s mother Denise taught her and she holds her in high esteem. Gordon is also a friend of Ramlall’s daughter.

“So this is a special occasion for me too,” the judge told those present. While advising her to uphold the ethnics of the profession, Justice Ramlall told Gordon that she must take responsibility.

Stating that the first two years in practice are the most critical, Justice Ramlall further advised the young attorney to cultivate and build a good reputation and then safeguard it, warning that small errors can be problematic and even fatal.

But when all was said and done, the High Court judge made it clear that she has no

Young attorney Ornise Gordon (third right) stands with Justice Simone Ramlall (third left), Attorneys Mayo (second left) and Kurt Robertson (left), Registrar of Lands, Rosalie Robertson (second right) and Christine McGowan- Grant, Republic Bank’s Corporate Secretary (right) after she was admitted to the Bar on Tuesday

reason to doubt Gordon’s ability to live up to the obligations bestowed upon her.

In offering her response, the young attorney said the journey from UG to the Hugh Wooding Law School was not without challenges, but “God” carried her through.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Gordon said “it was challenging for the most part. It was a lot of work, a lot of studying, late nights, early mornings.”

She added: “I would al-

ways tell people that it was my faith in God that kept me, because sometimes you can feel a bit overwhelmed, and for me personally I felt burdened sometimes, but at the end of the day, I just prayed, did the work, and God did the rest for me.”

Gordon also used the opportunity to express appreciation to her parents, relatives and friends who offered their assistance in one way or another to ensure she was successful in her studies.

Asked why the Linden Legal

Aid Centre, Gordon said, “Well I believe in service of others. As a Christian I believe that you should help others and mainly I wanted to use my career to help others, and I also wanted to stay in Linden.”

She pointed out that many of the people accessing the services of the Legal Aid Centre cannot afford legal services on their own.

To aspiring lawyers, she said “work hard, study hard and keep God in the centre of your life.”

Women can be more than just housewives

– says Carmilita Jamieson, the girl from Leguan who always wanted to be a lawyer

By Alexis Rodney LEAVING school and pursing her dreams as a lawyer was all that Carmilita Jamieson ever wanted to do. So when the opportunity presented itself for her to begin studies at the University of Guyana (UG) back in 2000, no one was more excited than the Leguan, Essequibo River damsel.

But that excitement was short-lived, since her family was unable to support her financially in that area.

Carmilita later left Guyana for St Vincent and the Grenadines, where she pursued a career in journalism, still keeping her eyes on becoming a lawyer. She later left St Vincent and went to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), where she continued in the field of journalism, to the point where was elevated to the position of

New attorney, Ms Carmilita Jamieson taking her oath before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan at the High Court on Monday

Editor-in-Chief of one of the island’s news entities.

But after seven years of scrimping and saving, Jamieson felt she had enough money to make her lifelong dream come true, and promptly returned to Guyana in 2012 to begin pursuing her legal career at UG. On Monday, Jamieson was admitted to the bar when her petition was presented to Justice Nareshwar Harnanan

by Attorney-at-Law, Mr Bernard DaSilva.

Jamieson, who turned 38 that same day, told the Guyana Chronicle that her dream of becoming a lawyer dates back to her childhood years while attending primary and secondary schools on the Island.

At this point in her life, she said, her mission is to motivate other young women from her home village to

take the big leap in spite of their circumstances.

She said she grew up on an island where it is the norm for young women “to get married at an early age”.

She said most of her friends are married with three and four children, and have not made a way to elevate themselves.

“The thing for me is to try to motivate young women that they can do the best that they can; to remind them that there is more to life than living in Leguan and settling for less,” she said following her admission on Monday.

The new attorney said that while Legaun has produced great minds and leaders in Guyana, her focus is on empowering those who believe that they should settle for anything than the best.

“My challenge to them is that we can be anything we want to be, and if we put our minds to it as women and

‘The thing for me is to try to motivate young women that they can do the best that they can; to remind them that there is more to life than living in Leguan and settling for less’ – Attorney-at-Law, Carmilita Jamieson stop thinking of ourselves as just housewives and persons who are just there to take care of our families, we could elevate to so much more,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

The single-mother also had a word of advice for other women who may be facing the burden alone, but still want to elevate themselves.

She said being a single-mother and especially having to leave her son behind to study at the Hugh Wooding Law School while he was preparing for the Grade Six Assessment Examination was not an easy

task.

She said her son, who now attends Queens College, had missed her for those few years while she was away.

According to Jameison, there is nothing that should prevent single- mothers, if they so desire, from moving up the ladder academically.

“Even though being a single-mom, I do not believe it is an excuse for our children’s poor performance, because if you put your mind to it, you can do it,” she said. “You still need to balance it with your studies and your kids studies as well.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

23

Local government commissioners appointed

By Svetlana Marshall THE long-awaited Local Government Commission is expected to be sworn in soon with Government approving the appointment of the local government commissioners.

On Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon disclosed that Cabinet, following the submission of memorandum by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, approved the appointment of eight persons to serve on the Local Government Commission (LGC).

Clinton Collymore

He said the approval was made in accordance with the requirements of Section (1) (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the Local Government Commission Act, Number 18 of 2013.

Mortimer Mingo, Clement Corlette, Marlon Williams, Joan Ann Ramascindo, Andrew Garnett, Carol Sooba, Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore were named as the appointees.

According to the minister of state, appointed commissioners will be sworn in soon

by President David Granger.

Arrangements in relation to office, staff and other facil-

Mortimer Mingo

ities to be used by the commissioners are to be finalised.

“I am advised by the Ministry of Communities that work had already started in that regard and therefore… once they are sworn in, they should hit the ground running,” the Minister Harmon told reporters at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The Commission, through the Ministry of Communities, is mandated to oversee, monitor, investigate and examine the actions of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the municipalities.

The approval of the appointees comes approximately a month after the Alliance For Change (AFC), a major player in the coalition Government, called for the operationalisation of the Commission.

Party Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan had told reporters that the process in naming the persons to sit on the commission “has gone a far way.”

Ramjattan had reiterated that the AFC supports the establishment of the Commission.

Local Government Elections (LGE) are slated for 2018.

14,000 public servants to receive salary increases -- minimum wage for public servants increased to $60,000

By Svetlana Marshall FOURTEEN thousand public servants are in line to benefit from a $3.5B payout for 2017 as the government moves to increase their wages and salaries, while increasing the minimum wage to $60,000.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon made the announcement while addressing reporters at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday.

Backed by Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson, the minister of state explained that based on the need to include the increases in the 2018 National Budget, a final offer for wages and salaries for public servants was made to the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

In addition to the new minimum wage, which has been set at 60,000 moving

up from 55,555, Minister Harmon disclosed that public servants earning between $55,555 and $99,999 would receive an increase of eight per cent, while a six per cent increase has been approved for persons earning $100,000 to $299,999.

Public servants who earn between $300,000 and $499,999 will receive a five per cent increase while those earning $500,000 to $699,999 are in line to receive a four per cent increase.

Those making $700,000 to $799,999 will receive a two per cent increase. For those earning $800,000 to $1M, a 0.5 per cent increase has been offered.

Public servants working for more than $1M will not receive an increase.

Brotherson disclosed that the increases for 2017 will total $3.5B and would be paid retroactive to public servants from January 2017-Decem-

ber 2017.

According to the permanent secretary, the economists at the Ministry of Finance proposed the increases after taking into account the state of the country’s economy and its ability to sustain any increases for public servants.

He said during the course of the negotiation, the GPSU was of the opinion that 2016 negotiation for 2016 was

incomplete although government has long made it clear that a final offer was given in 2016.

“We have put this offer on the table and that is government’s final offer with respect to 2017 for wages and salaries,” he added while making reference to the 2017 increases for wages and salaries.

Thursday’s announcement, Brotherson noted

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Representatives of the government and GPSU in discussion Monday

should benefit over 14,000 public servants. It noted too that since entering office, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government has transitioned just about 4,000 contract employees

into the Public Service.

According to Brotherson, negotiations for the 2017 increases commenced under a month, and for government, the time allotted was sufficient for the negotiations.

Justice James Patterson is new GECOM chair

By Alva Solomon Retired High Court Judge, Justice James Patterson, 84, was on Thursday evening appointed chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), not the first judge to hold that post.

President David Granger made the appointment following a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo earlier in the evening where the head of state informed the latter of his disapproval of a third list of nominees which was submitted to him.

Newly appointed Chairman of GECOM Justice James Patterson

At a simple ceremony at State House, Main Street, Georgetown, the President noted that he found the third list of nominees which he received from the Opposition Leader on August 25 to be unacceptable within the meaning of the Constitution.

He said he also paid careful attention to the ruling of Chief Justice Roxanne George in the case Marcel Gaskin vs the Attorney General.

The President said that being desirous of fulfilling the requirements of the Constitution and given the need

of appointing the chair of GECOM and in light of the failure of Jagdeo to present him with a list that is not acceptable, he decided that it would be in the public interest to resort to the proviso in the Constitution under Article 161: 2 which permits him to act independently and appoint a person of the judicial category to be chairman of the elections body.

“That is the person who is presumptively fit and proper,” he said as he noted Justice Patterson’s appointment.

He expressed confidence in the new chair.

He urged all Guyanese to support the Constitution of a fully-appointed commission in the undertaking of future elections.

The President spoke of Justice Patterson’s ability, noting his judicial experience including as a former chief justice in the island of Grenada.

“I do believe he brings to the position years of experience, in addition to which we are looking for persons of integrity, impartiality and independence,” the President said of his nominee.

The President noted that

he could not discuss his reasons for rejecting the third list of nominees, noting that on the whole it was unacceptable.

As regards Jagdeo’s pronouncements earlier at a press briefing on Thursday night where he said the Opposition will withdraw all forms of participation with the government, President Granger said that posture would not be in the best interest of the public.

He said Jagdeo would have to account to his supporters, noting that he will be judged by history.

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

Five dead Dead: Reshma Seeram

Dead: Dhanpaul Kishandayl

FIVE persons died on the spot on Sunday in what has been described as one of the worst accidents in recent times on the Corentyne Coast.

The tragedy occurred after a driver reportedly lost control of his motor car and slammed into an oncoming paddy truck on the Number 59 Village Public Road, East

Berbice, Corentyne, knocking the tray off.

According to eyewitnesses, around 13:40 hrs, motor car PPP 3394 was heading east when it dropped into a pothole and driver Dhanpaul Kishandayl, 38, lost control of the vehicle.

The car reportedly swerved, spun around and slammed into an oncoming

truck GZ 2763, which was laden with paddy. The force of the impact knocked the tray off the truck, scattering paddy on the roadway.

The five occupants of the car identified as Sabita Mangali 40, owner/proprietor of Sabita Immigration Services, Located at Maraj Building, Charlotte Street, Georgetown; her two sons Emanuel Mangali, 18 and five-year-old Ethan Ramjeet as well as her secretary and friend Reshma Seeram, 38, and Dhanpaul Kishandayl, the driver, who only recently returned from the U.S., all died on the spot, reports say.

Unconfirmed reports suggested the five were heading to the Number 63 beach.

Sabita’s address was given as Lot 2, Second Street, Bel Air, Geogetown, and the Guyana Chronicle understands that a few years back

-- including mother and sons in deadly Corentyne smash-up

The mangled remains of the car that was being driven by Dhanpaul Kishandayl

Dead: Sabita Mangali with her two sons Emanuel Mangali and Ethan Ramjeet in happier times

she had lost her husband in an accident.

Up to press time, family members were making their way to the Ancient County to identify the remains of their loved ones.

Eyewitnesses revealed that Sabita and her two sons were seated in the back of the Honda Civic and upon impact, she and the elder of her two sons Emanuel, were flung out of the vehicle.

Her younger Ethan was ripped in half with the upper part of his body ending up out of the vehicle.

The bodies of her sons landed in a roadside drain, while hers was on the shoulder of the said drain.

The driver, Dhanpaul Kishandayl and the front seat passenger Reshma Seeram were pinned down in the vehicle, and the fire service had to be called in to help remove their badly mutilated bodies from the wrecked car.

“I sitting down under the

house and I see the car, this car coming through and drop in the pothole, then the car speed up and start swerve and crash into the paddy truck. The whole truck tray fall off and I see things flying out the car…. When I run out I see a lil boy in the drain and when I pick he up is only half an he I pick up all he guts and so fall in the trench. Them had a man next to he with a red shirt and I pull he out too but them did done dead….

Them had a lady on the ground next to the drain, all she clothes rip up and she did dead too. When I reach the car, the two in the front seat did done dead; it look like them neck bruck but them pin down so we couldn’t get them out. When I check the back seat I thought was somebody else, but was the rest a de lil boy body did pin down… the truck driver get blackout and did bleeding badly, so we pick he up and put he in the yard then a car

come and them carry he way to the hospital. I did just start drinking and when I see all this, I tell me friends them I done,” said Tameshwar Narine, 31, who lives close to the road with the pothole.

The driver of the truck, who was identified as Doodram Singh, 30, of Number 49 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne was taken to the Skeldon Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he is nursing serious head injuries.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene, there was a crowd trying to get a glimpse of the dead, while others lent a helping hand. Many broke down in tears as they saw the badly mutilated bodies strewed on the roadway.

Residents expressed anger, disgust and sadness that they have been asking for the pothole to be fixed for a while now, but the authorities have paid no heed to their call.

“You know how long now we asking the NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council] to fix this hole.

Every couple weeks an accident a happen because of this hole; two weeks ago a lady brakes up fuh the hole and a next car slam in she car back; before that a car man get a blow out and end up in this boy (Tameshwar Narine) kitchen damage up all he fridge and suh. Now look five dead, them guh fix am now though, but them could a prevent this,” one eyewitness said.

Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 20, 2017

25

PNC commissions new gate, fence of Region Three office

PNC General Secretary and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally walks through

Guyana Chronicle October 2017 (PNC photo) the New new York gateEdition at the Week-ending party’s Region Three20, office

AS part of its 60th anniversary, the People’s National Congress (PNC) on Sunday commissioned a new gate and fence at its Region Three Party office, located at Vreed-en-Hoop.

The party’s General Secretary and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, commissioned the gate and fence as part of that region’s initiative to strengthen the presence of the party there.

The project follows a mandate given by party leader, President David Granger

to have projects executed in every region for the party’s 60th anniversary, a statement said.

“Party groups and districts have commenced developmental projects in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10; some have already been commissioned while others are yet to be commissioned,” the statement added.

Minister of State and constituency representative, Joseph Harmon in his address reminded party members and

supporters of the historical significance of the PNC. He said despite the many challenges in “fixing a broken State,” which was inherited from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the party remains strong and resolute because of its party folk and foundational structures.

"This is a party of transformation, this party is on the move, it is one to be proud of," said Harmon, who noted that the strength of the party can be attributed to the

formation of a Constitution from its inception; the establishment of different arms of party administration to ensure all arms help in the development of the party, its growth in membership and its functioning; and respect for the institution of the party.

Harmon said too that the strength of the PNC can also be attributed to its individual party members, those who hold the line of battle and continue to stay true to the party's sustainability and continued development.25 “A party that continues

to withstand rumours and allegations which are oft times fallacies; to stand with our leader and stand together and continue to unearth the untruths disseminated about the party,” he said.

General Secretary Ally for her part commended the region and attributed the success of the erection of the concrete fence to many, notably Ali Khan, Rollex McCullin, Komal Singh and Sherry Gould.

Ally indicated that the erection of the fence is testimony to the kind of leadership which the PNC has. “It

will continue to be strong; the party is not static, it continues to grow and it is indeed a force to be reckoned with.”

She thanked the many contributors, while noting that the erection of the fence is only the beginning, as she called for the construction of a new party building, even as she stressed the importance of unity.

On October 5, the PNC celebrated its 60th year as a party and celebrations are continuing across the country under the theme: “United and Strong: 60 Years On.”

A section of the audience on Sunday (PNC photo)

GTU warns of industrial action

By Alexis Rodney

THE Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) could call out the more than 7,000 public school teachers it represents as early as next week for industrial action, if government numerous issues facing educators are not addressed.

At least that is the plan as laid out by Union President Mark Lyte, who said on Thursday, that the body has exhausted every other option.

The plan is in place, although Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, said that he had that very day informed GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, that the Ministry of Education will soon meet with the union to iron out the issues.

But McDonald, at a press conference at the organisa-

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GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald and president Mark Lyte, along with GTU first Vice President, Leslyn Collins (left) and Executive member, Lancelot Baptiste at Thursday’s press briefing

tion’s Woolford Avenue office, said that the union and teachers have for far too long been disrespected and taken for granted by government.

In fact, she said many of the proposals and plans presented to government have been sitting on the sidelines for years.

“This is against the backdrop that the regular submission of issues to government continues to fall on deaf ears. We are referring to the debunching payments, outstanding since 2006, the $40 million housing project where nothing has happened since 2006, and more recently, the salary proposal presented to the Ministry of Education,” McDonald told reporters.

“These issues are of concern to us. We have been talking with our counterparts, but it seems as if some of those have gone on deaf ears,” she said.

Union President Mark Lyte was resolute that the union will not sit back and allow “this kind of behaviour to prevail and have our teachers affected by not increasing their salaries”.

He claimed that information circulating that government will be offering public servants increases in salary, has not reached the GTU. “We are saying that this is not good for collective bargaining. The GTU has decided that we have had enough, we have given the administration enough time, we have had enough discussions and we see no progress when it comes to an agreement between the union and the Ministry of Education.”

To this end, he said the GTU demands a swift response, failing which it will call teachers out of the classroom.

ENOUGH “We feel we have no other alternative and we feel as though we have been taken for granted. We will be calling our teachers out to protest,” he informed.

Lyte said although government has been vocal about the importance of collective bargaining, the GTU has not seen anything of the sorts being manifested over the last two years.

And even as the year draws closer to an end, teachers have not yet received an increase in salary.

He claimed that there is a deliberate effort on the part of Government not to address the proposal which was presented to the Ministry of Education since December 2015.

“Another budget will be presented and we are not able as yet to come to an agreement for a proposal for the teachers of this nation. We believe that

this is very disrespectful and is in direct contravention of the labour agreement that we should have between the government and the union for teachers.

It is clear that government has no intention of remunerating teachers.”

Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the issue is an ongoing exercise.

According to him, the last agreement teachers had with government was a multi-year agreement.

“Several issues that have to be streamlined are under that agreement.

It is a good approach to salary and wages…. But those negotiations take a little longer than usual,” Harmon said, promising that there is no sidelining of the teachers or the GTU. Lyte also addressed a recent memorandum sent out by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson; directing that teachers supervise students during their respective lunch breaks.

Lyte said because the instruction is incorporated in a memo, schools are now asking teachers to supervise students through a rostar system.

He said this new request is in contravention of the labour laws which requires that all workers must have breaks, whether it is coffee, tea or lunch in particular.

The GTU president said the breaks are there to allow teachers to be rejuvenated and make way for them to resume teaching.

“We have found that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) declaration specifically talks about three principle rights of all categories of workers,” he said.

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

A TRIBUTE TO ALVIN KALLICHARRAN

"K

PROFESSIONALISM PERSONIFIED! world class ability to bat was sorely needed by his team — whether it was for Berbice, Guyana, the West Indies, Warwickshire, Queensland, Transvaal or Orange Free State, or whether it world, packing such power and genius in his bat- was the long or short version of the game. This ting that it seemed divinely granted. When he wristy genius had every stroke at his command toured India, a country where cricketers are and in his armory, and that was why he was eastreated like deity, many spectators came to see ily acknowledged around the world as one of the him bat, and left convinced that he was thus best exponents in the art of batting in his heyday. blessed. He was indisputably considered one of His technique and temperament were among the the most complete, accomplished and versatile best in the game, whether he was playing the batsmen ever produced by the West Indies, one fiery pace like fire of Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thompwhose artistry was not brooked by limitations son, or Bob Willis, the menacing swing of Imran and one who was the master of all types of Khan, Kapil Dev or Sarfraz Nawaz, the blisterbowlers and wickets. He was a man for all sea- ing yorkers of Ian Botham or Bruce Taylor, the sons, a quintessential gem in any batting lineup. befuddling spin of Intikhab Alam, Bishen Singh If I were a betting man, and the West Indies Bedi or Terry Jenner, the mesmerizing guile of needed a savior in a crisis, I would have betted Derek Underwood or the unique magic of Bhagmy money on Alvin Kallicharran in front of any- wat Chandrashekar. Or whether he was batting one else. at a batsman's paradise like Bourda or Kingston, His professionalism and his clinical, and the spinners' pitches like Port of Spain, Bangaspellbinding annihilation of Dennis Lillee in the lore, Karachi, Lahore, Madras or Kanpur, or the 1975 World Cup are two of the game's most en- lightning fast tracks of Perth, Brisbane or Headduring memories. His encounter with Lillee pit- ingly or at the home of cricket — Lord's. No octed a cricketing David against a virtual Goliath casion was too big for him. Kalli was in Lillee. Lillee, one of the game's most feared professionalism-personified. pace merchants and an automatic pick in any allKallicharran made his international debut time World XI, was at his prime, and had de- against New Zealand in the fourth Test at his nastroyed batsmen literally and figuratively the tive Guyana in sensational fashion at Bourda, world over with peerless pace and accuracy. Georgetown in 1972, and thrilled the spectators Kallicharran, batting with an unbeaten cenwithout helmet, thigh tury when he joined pad or arm guard, the revered and displayed a succession tinguished band of of magnificent shots players who have which sent Lillee into made a century on vanquished submistheir Test debut. sion. The more Kalli Sobers gave him a dispatched him, the mere hour to comfaster and more hosplete his century havtile he bowled, and ing been overnight on the more the 58, in an attempt to Guyanese encourinject life into the aged him, enthralling game, and Kalli the crowd with rare smashed the New virtuosity and gifted Zealanders all over stroke play. and out of the ground.

One wonders how Born in Port much more runs he Mourant, the Mecca may have made if of Guyanese batsmen, Kallicharran Kalli unleashes another trademark hook shot Sobers had not derepresented the against another hapless bowler, left foot clared the innings, as Glenn Turner and Guyana school team completely off the ground. in the West Indies championship in 1966. A Terry Jarvis then put on a 387 opening partnermere year later, at the age of 16, he then became ship in seven hours. In his next Test innings in the youngest player to appear for Guyana in the the final match at Port-of-Spain, Kallicharran Shell Shield. He thereafter inspired Guyanese scored another magnificent century to cement sportsmen to reach for cricket's greatest acco- his place in the side. lades. Kalli was a lightweight who packed a Against the touring Australians the followknockout punch and a killer instinct which ing year, Lloyd world had to take notice of floored many bowlers around the world, keeping cricket's little dynamo. His consistency, solidity, them down for the count. Like his idol and men- poise and temperament were unequalled and tor, the legendary Rohan Kanhai, the diminutive Kalli could not be denied his rightful place in the Kallicharran was a stroke player who derived his side as the linch pin of the batting, and he gracepower from tremendous talent, the heart of a fully joined fellow compatriots Fredericks, lion, hawk eyesight, panther reflexes and im- Lloyd and Kanhai onto the world stage. maculate timing. He struck the ball far beyond As was his trademark throughout his cathe capacity of his diminutive frame. Whereas reer, the Guyanese opened his account with a other batsmen like Viv Richards, Gordon solid score (50), at Kingston and confirmed his Greenidge and Clive Lloyd bludgeoned the ball, class with 53 and 91 in the third match at PortKalli mostly caressed it, surgically bisecting of-Spain. West Indies looked to Kalli for salvagaps in the field with his supple wrists and an tion and a memorable victory here, but Kalli, impressive array of breathtaking strokes to all after a long and valiant vigil, lost a nerve-wrackcorners of the ground, while also unleashing ing fight to the indefatigable Aussies. He had so shots of unbelievable power. narrowly failed to win the game for the West InHis greatest asset was his determination dies on his own on a treacherous pitch. Tony Coand masterful assessment and appreciation of the zier chronicled Kalli's batting thus, "Meeting game as it stood and his application thereafter to every delivery with a broad bat and superb techgive his team the edge in winning. Kallicharran's nique . . . " Cozier later justifiably predicted that best performances were made when everyone "the world would someday pay in centuries for was at odds with the bowling and when his this character building innings." Kallicharran's

allicharran is one of the best players of spin bowling I have seen...This is not to say that he was inadequate against pace, and, at his best, is the complete player."

— Clive Lloyd

“Once we walk out to bat, there is no rich or poor and there is no black or white. It is just me and you. I was brought up in that culture of being a streetfighter — that you don't see danger, you don't see anxiety. All you are looking at is tomorrow — how will you fight again. So Lillee bowling to me is, just . . . I'm going to bat again tomorrow. Not that I don't respect him. I respect all opposition we are playing against, but if you say that you are going to walk out and feel intimidated, what are we going out there for? Why did they select me if I am not going to fight?”

—Alvin Kallicharran In 1979, the smallest international batsman, standing a mere 5 feet 4 inches, took apart a rampaging Vanburn Holder in a dazzling innings of 107* when Warwickshire defeated Worcestershire with such ferocious hooks, pulls and drives of sheer genius that Holder was immediately taken off. In 1982, against Somerset, he played one of the great limited overs innings in hammering 141*. When the 6’ 8” Joel Garner bounced at his head, he swiveled beautifully in trademark style and hooked his towering adversary high over square leg for 6 with stunning power. Warwickshire’s captain Bob Willis said that the little man’s "knock contained a myriad of high-class shots. His stock-in-trade pulls and hooks were supplemented by a series of silken drives on the rise through the off. Somerset came apart at the seams."

In 1983, after Warwickshire had been swept aside for 43 by Sussex, he lifted them from the doldrums with 210 at Leicester. He carved up Gloucestershire for 173 at Nuneaton.

A week later came the Southport saga, when he blasted 230* in an English record fourth-wicket stand of 470 with Geoff Humpage. A marvellous195 against Surrey, followed by 109* in the return against Worcestershire preceding the big battle at Southampton. It pitted the little master, the country's leading run scorer, against Malcolm Marshall, the leading wicket-taker — a clash of titans. The little dynamo won that contest, taming the great Marshall's hostile pace with genius, and enthralled again with a superb 131 raising him past 2,000 runs in a season for the first time in his career. His eight centuries in a summer equaled the Warwickshire record held jointly by R. E. S. Wyatt (1937) and Rohan Kanhai (1972).

In 1975, this was the same batsman who set cricket’s biggest inaugural tournament on fire when he tamed the hostile Dennis Lillee by hooking, cutting, cover driving and pulling the demon fast bowler astonishingly all around the ground in a spellbinding 10 ball sequence of 4,4,4,4,4,1,4,6,0,4 — 35 runs, which sent the crowd into pandemonium —real high class batting artistry and stroke play.

Who was this little maestro and why, with so much class and technique, was he not playing for his country, having just been chosen as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1983, the benchmark of cricket recognition?

He was Alvin Kallicharran, and the rest is history. Although among the very top tier of batsmen of his era, Alvin Isaac Kallicharran is hardly given the thanks and commendations he earned. Playing cricket in South Africa did not help his cause, but he is a genuine, yet unsung, hero.

“Kalli,” as he is affectionately called, was believed to bear more than just a namesake to the legendary Hindu deity when he unleashed his incomparable batting skills all over the

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

good form continued in England later that year and he hit 80 in each innings in the First Test at the Oval, sharing in a double century partnership with his skipper Lloyd He hit three centuries against county sides and finished the tour with an impressive average of 64.78.

In the return series Kalli consolidated his growing international reputation by hitting 158 in the First Test at Port-of-Spain, and followed that up with 93 in the second match at Kingston.

In the third game at Bridgetown Kallicharran scored 119, sharing in a record second wicket partnership of 249 with Lawrence Rowe.

On the West Indies tour to India and Pakistan in 1974-75, he passed 50 in six of the seven Tests and was often the foundation for his team's batting. In the first match at Bangalore he hit a magnificent hundred on a difficult wicket. Tony Cozier reminisces that, "With further rain during the night, the pitch became a vicious turner, fully exploited by the classy Indian spinners, but it was a masterful technical display by Kalli which was the highlight of the exchanges. He carried his score from 64 to 124 before he was last outin other words 60 out of 77 added by his team on the second day."

The iconic Sunil Gavaskar, the Little Master who was romanticized in calypso for his incomparable batting exploits, in his book "Idols," said that "it was batting of the highest class. With the ball turning and popping, Kallicharran gave us a tremendous batting lesson. The ball dropped dead at his feet when he played defensively forward. But when he hit the ball, it invariably went to the boundary. A six off Chandrasekhar showed his quick reflexes. He was preparing for a defensive shot when he heard the no-ball call from the umpire and he changed his shot to swing it over the mid-wicket fence." In the deciding game at Bombay, he made 98, sharing in century partnerships with Roy Fredericks and Lloyd, to win the series for West Indies.

Kallicharran top-scored with an unbeaten 92 in the First Test on the Pakistan leg of the tour, at Lahore, and in the final match at Karachi he scored 115, sharing in a three figure stand with Lloyd. Of his 92*, Cozier wrote, "Kallicharran's mastery of the problems which troubled all the other batsmen was almost completely responsible for a West Indian reply of 214. Sarfraz (Nawaz) took 6-89 for Pakistan but the lefthanded Kallicharran was seldom bothered and finished 92*, denied a well-deserved century by a lack of adequate support."

When West Indies visited Australia later that year Kallicharran was one of the Caribbean's few who stood up to the deadly and lightning pace of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. Jeff Thompson was clocked at 99.7 mph in 1975, which was then the highest electronically measured speed for a bowled ball in the Guinness Book of Records. In the first Test at Brisbane he scored a century, adding 198 with Rowe for the fourth wicket, and an exemplary 57 in the second match at Perth, despite a broken nose, one of cricket's greatest courageous moments.

In these battles, Kalli never had the luxury of a helmet. Any split second mistake when hooking Lillee and Thompson off the eyebrows would have constituted fatal error. Many batsmen actually died from such injuries in the sport in those days. He crafted another two half centuries in the fifth game at Adelaide. When comparisons are made with today's batsmen, one must consider the vulnerability a batsman faced in Kalli's days when batting without a helmet. There were few better sights in batting than little Kalli hitting thunderous boundaries against bowlers,

(continued on page 27)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 20, 2017

27

THE 12 GREATEST WEST INDIES CRICKETERS OF ALL TIME

captain led West Indies to the top of the cricket world for two decades. “His right to be recognized as one of the supreme leaders in the game’s history should be unchallenged.”

Siddharth Prabhakar said, “He is, unarguably, the greatest Captain cricket has ever seen.” It must be mentioned that he managed players of the caliber of Sir Viv Richards, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge to name a few. To Clive’s credit, he kept the egos in check, controlled temperaments, encouraged excellence and was always approachable. This led to the most professional and well mannered West Indies team.

Clive was a great all-rounder. He could bat, bowl and was an excellent fielder.

STATISTICS Batting: 110 Tests, 7,515 runs with a 46.67 batting average. He scored 19 100s. His top score is 242.

Bowling: 1,716 balls, 10 wickets with an average of 62.20.

(from page 5)

LANCE GIBBS Born Lancelot Richard Gibbs, the greatest spin bowler of all time, was born on All Saints and All Angels Day (September 29), 1934.

Thanks to Berkley Gaskin, then captain of Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), and former West Indies player, member of the British Guiana Cricket Board of Control, Lance got a break to play for D.C. C. I used to see him play in the Queenstown pasture and knew he was great. The first time I saw him play in a Case Cup match (the highest club level) was against British Guiana Cricket Club (BGCC). I knew that my fellow Queenstown resident, was headed for greatness.

He made his Test debut February 5, 1958 against Pakistan in the Second Test at Port-ofSpain and took 4 wickets. In the Fourth Test at Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), he took 5 wickets for 80 runs.

His 1960-61 West Indies tour of Australia will never be forgotten by cricket purists. He played in only the last three Tests, but took 19 wickets. In the 1961-62 home series against India, he took 19 wickets. Most critics assert that his greatest bowling feat was in the Test in Barbados. When he was given the ball, India was

Lance Gibbs

Malcolm Marshall

149 for 2. He bowled them out at 187. His 8 wickets which came in 15.3 overs and is considered the best bowling in a Test match.

STATISTICS In 79 Tests, he bowled 27,115 balls, took 309 wickets with a 29.09 average. He took 5 wickets in an innings 18 times and 10 in a match: 2 times. Best bowling: 8 for 38.

MALCOLM MARSHALL He was born Malcolm Denzil Marshall on April 18, 1958 at Bridgetown, Barbados and is regarded as one of West Indies greatest fast bowlers.

Marshall was an integral part of the West Indies team that was dominant in the 1980s. Fast bowlers usually come in pairs: Miller-Lindwall,

Constantine-Martindale, Hall-Griffith, Trueman-Statham, to name a few. “But in that glorious period, West Indies hunted in packs: Roberts, Holding, Garner, Croft, Patterson, Daniel, Clarke, Bishop, Walsh and Ambrose.”

The linchpin was Malcolm Marshall. At one stage, he was the best West Indies pace bowler.

Many will argue that he should not be included in the greatest of all time. However, look at some of his achievements.

He took 21 or more wickets in 7 successive series with an average of less than 20. In 1983-

Courtney Walsh

Jeffrey Dujon

84 against India, he took 33 wickets. In Kanpur, he claimed Sunil Gavaskar, Jimmy Amarnath (for ducks), Anshuman Gaekwad (4), and Dilip Vengsarkar (14). In 1988 at Old Trafford, he took 7 wickets for 22 runs.

STATISTICS Bowling: 17,584 balls, 376 wickets with a bowling average of 20. 94. He took 5 wickets in an innings 22 times and 10 in a match 4 times.

COURTNEY WALSH Born Courtney Andrew Walsh in Kingston, Jamaica on October 30, 1962. He captained the West Indies in 22 Tests.

He made his Test debut in 1984 against Australia in Perth, taking 2 for 43. His tour of India in 1987-1988, was productive for him. In

4 matches, he took 26 wickets at an average of 16.80. In the first Test at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, he took five wickets for 54 runs. In the second Test at Wankhede Stadium, he repeated the feat.

In this season, he played 4 matches against England, taking 12 wickets at an average of 34.33.

In the West Indies 1988-89 tour of Australia, he played 5 tests, taking 17 wickets at 29.41. He also took a hat trick.

In 1995, he took 62 wickets at an average of 21.75. in 2000, he took 66 wickets at 18.69.

Courtney Walsh has bowled faster for a longer period (17 years) than any other fast bowler in West Indies cricket. “He was durable enough to take them into the new millennium, running in with the same metronomic regularity even as the team fell from towering heights to abysmal lows.

STATISTICS Bowling: balls bowled 30,019, took 519 wickets, average 24.44. He took 5 wickets in an inning 22 times and 10 in a match 3 times. His best bowling was 7 for 37.

JEFF DUJON He was born Peter Jeffrey Leroy Dujon on May 28, 1956 at Kingston, Jamaica and is considered by many to be one of the 10 greatest wicket keepers in the history of cricket.

Jeff was not only a wicket keeper, but a batsman. This has been the case with the West Indies since its first Test at Lord’s, when Karl Nunes, their keeper, batted number 4. Very few wicket keepers have combined batting and wicketkeeping to the extent that Dujon did.

STATISTICS Batting: 81 tests, scored 3,332 runs at an average of 31.94. he scored 5 100s and his top score was 139. Wicket keeping: 267 catches.

A TRIBUTE TO ALVIN KALLICHARRAN (from page 26)

wearing only a box as protective gear.

The most memorable sight in World Cup cricket history for many is Kalli blasting Dennis Lillee in the 1975 World Cup against Australia at the Oval. Gordon Ross, the noted commentator, described his onslaught as akin to "a firecracker, exploding all round." Kallicharran cut, pulled, slashed, drove and hooked Australia's greatest fast bowler with unprecedented majesty and skill. The Golden Arrowhead never flew higher. It was a rare sight in batting as Kalli showed he was "the real master." He paralyzed the Australians with his genius in that mesmerizing innings of 78. Few batsmen have catapulted a crowd in such a frenzy. He then played another magnificent innings in the win against New Zealand, thus setting up West Indies in a memorable victory in the World Cup final. He was also part of the victorious 1979 World Cup squad.

Kallicharran had a consistent series against India when they visited the Caribbean in 1976, finishing second in the averages to the ascending Viv Richards, who was to later dominate the cricket world. After the pair had shared in a double century third wicket stand in the first test at Bridgetown, Kalli hit an unbeaten hundred in the third game on his favorite Port-of-Spain ground, scene of many of his glorious performances.

Few batsmen knew how to move their feet to good spin bowling like Kalli. He was adept at that and enthralled many with his silken stroke play. Soon afterwards Kallicharran was afflicted with fibrosis in his shoulder, a painful condition which seriously affected his performance against England later that year. Yet, espousing the bravery and determination which propelled him to the heights of international fame, he battled valiantly for 97, sharing in a triple century part-

nership with Richards, in the Test at Trent Bombay he hit 187, then 71 at Bangalore, 55 at Bridge. Ducks at Lord's and Old Trafford and Calcutta, 98 at Madras, and 45 at New Delhi. He further injuries ruled him out of the rest of the was certainly the one man Kerry Packer needed tour. The left-handed dynamo struggled when to complete the constellation of stars in his firPakistan visited West Indies in 1977, with his mament. Picked for the tours to Australia and only notable innings being 72 in the third match New Zealand in 1979-80, he made a century in at Georgetown. Apart from his injury, Kallichar- the third match at Adelaide and 75 and 46 in the ran was obviously tired from playing continuous second and third Tests in New Zealand. Therecricket which knew no seasons and compara- after he was not the same giant killer on subsetively few wages. He understandably lost his ap- quent tours to England and Pakistan. petite for the game that underpaid cricketers in Controversy and sometimes poor social his time. graces often courted Kallicharran and he was Then came the Kerry called a pariah by bePacker affair. Kallicharran coming the first West was one of the first players to Indian player to appear sign for Packer's World Sein South Africa's Curries tournament. But, he later rie Cup competition withdrew from the contract, when he joined Transwhich conflicted with an earvaal in 1981-82 for lier one he had signed with a 20,000 pounds. This radio station in Queensland, ill-advised decision and returned to lead the offishould be analyzed in cial West Indies side. the context of Kallicharran's world class Kallicharran's bread ability was in sharp contrast and butter needs and to his teammates. The gifted his anger at the West Guyanese had already top- One of cricket’s greatest sights is Alvin Indies administration's scored in the opening Test Kallicharran annihilating Dennis Lillee in betrayal. Now that against the Australians with the inaugural 1975 World Cup, immortal- South Africa is no his customary century at ized on You Tube. longer blacklisted, hisPort-of-Spain, before the tory may take a kinder walkout by the Packer players on the eve of the look at players like him who committed that third game at Georgetown. Installed as the new error. captain, Kallicharran guided his inexperienced His brilliant run-scoring attracted worldcolleagues to victory in the fourth Test at Port- wide recognition and the prodigious Guyanese of-Spain with 92 and 69, and hit a splendid hun- signed contracts with Warwickshire and Queensdred in the final match at Kingston. Kalli led land. He thrived at Warwickshire and, in the from the front with several breathtaking per- early 1980s, if he had not gone to South Africa, formances.

Kallicharran's sparkling form would have cerHe continued to be the fulcrum of the bat- tainly demanded a Test recall. Indeed, after his ting in the series against India in 1978-79, play- banning, Kallicharran said he looked on county ing several captain’s innings. In the first Test at cricket as sending a strong message to the West

Indian selectors for their notorious and perverted historical idiosyncrasies. In 1982 he scored over 2,000 runs, featuring three championship double centuries-including 230*as he shared in a record fourth wicket stand of 470 with Geoff Humpage against Lancashire at Southport, which remains the highest partnership in English county cricket, and five single hundreds. In 1982 and 1983 Kallicharran topped Warwickshire's batting averages while, in five of his first seven seasons with the club, he hit 1,000 first-class runs.

Altogether in the championship he has scored 46 centuries-including a record nine in 1984 and six double hundreds, where he put all bowlers, including Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner, to the sword in the English circuit. He was eventually registered as an English qualified player.

While playing against minor county Oxfordshire in the 1984 one day Natwest Trophy he scored 206 and took 6 for 32.

The Port Mourant legend left indelible memories in the game of cricket not least with his fielding, where he held several remarkable catches. In 1983, along with such cricket greats as Kapil Dev, Imran Khan and Malcolm Marshall, he joined the elite group of cricketers chosen as one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year. Those who appreciate the genius in a man will never deny Kalli his due. Like the immortal Rohan Kanhai, Lance Gibbs and other faithful stewards, it remains a travesty of justice that heroes who flew the flag of their country so high, and earned the respect of so many cricket lovers around the globe, should receive so little in return for their groundbreaking achievements.

CAREER STATISTICS First-class record: [1966-1990] 505 matches, 32,650 runs (43.64) including 87 centuries, 84 wickets, HS 243*; Tests: 66; runs: 4,399 (44.43); 12 centuries; HS: 187 v India, Bombay, 1978.

Shanaka’s unbeaten ton puts Sri Lanka ‘A’ on top FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica (CMC) – Dasun Shanaka stroked an aggressive, unbeaten hundred but fast bowler Keon Joseph led a focused bowling effort to help restrict Sri Lanka A on the opening day of the second fourday ‘Test’ here Thursday The 26-year-old carved out 102 batting at number seven, an innings that led the tourists to 294 all out after they chose to bat first at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.

He smashed five fours and eight sixes off just 108 balls to lead a rally after Sri Lanka-A struggled in the second session.

However, West Indies-A then lost the momentum they had built, crashing to 14 for two at the close in reply, still 280 runs adrift of first-innings lead heading into day two.

Openers Montcin Hodge

(2) and John Campbell (5) fell in the space of six deliveries in successive overs, leaving captain Shamarh Brooks (three not out) and nightwatchman Damion Jacobs, yet to score, to see out the day.

Right-armer Joseph had earlier rattled Sri Lanka A claiming three for 32 while leg-spinner Damion Jacobs (2-74) and off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall (2-85) claimed two wickets apiece.

Joseph removed both openers Sandun Weerakkody (8) and Ron Chandragupta (9) cheaply as the visitors stumbled to 36 for two in the first session.

However, captain Dhananjaya De Silva stroked 73, vice-captain Charith Asalanka gathered 41 and Roshen Silva, 30, to add to Shanaka’s fifth first class hundred, and repair the innings.

De Silva, who hit a hun-

Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka hits a six during his unbeaten 102 on the first day of the second `Test’ at Trelawny Right-armer Keon Joseph leads West Indies A attack with a three-wicket haul.

dred in last week’s opening ‘Test’, again looked in good touch stroking six fours in an 89-ball knock that occupied 2-1/2 hours.

Crucially, he added 92 for the third wicket with Asalanka who faced 104 deliveries in 1-1/2 hours at

the crease and counted five fours.

The pair took their side to lunch at 97 for two but perished inside the first hour following the resumption as three wickets crashed for 42 runs.

But Sri Lanka A again

found redemption courtesy of a 105-run, sixth-wicket stand between Shanaka and Silva, as they reached tea at 225 without further loss.

The right-handed Shanaka counter-attacked wonderfully, getting support from Silva who counted two

fours in a 70-ball innings.

Once pacer Oshane Thomas had Silva caught at the wicket to give Jahmar Hamilton his fourth catch of the innings, Sri Lanka fell away again, losing their last five wickets for 52 runs.

Guyana Women out of Pan American Indoor Hockey ‘medal round’

By Rawle Toney AFTER losing 6-3 to Trinidad and Tobago and going down 7-1 to title front-runners USA, Guyana Women will not feature in the ‘medal’ round of this year’s Pan American Indoor Hockey Championship, currently on at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Having won the lone game of the tournament over Barbados (5-1), Guyana were hoping to keep the momentum on day four of the event, but, luck, was not on their side.

Trinidad and Tobago picked up their first win of the tournament, having outplayed Guyana in the second half of the game. Arielle Williams and

Krizia Layne had scored back-to-back for Trinidadians, but Guyana equalised through Nicole Eastman and Marzana Fiedtkou.

Fiedtkou, two minutes after her first, scored her second of the game to push Guyana in the lead (3-2) at the stroke of halftime.

However, in the second half Trinidad dominated possession and found the goal off the sticks of Layne, Blair Wynne (two goals) and Alanna Lewis.

In their second game of the evening, which was also their final of the ‘pool’, Guyana were overwhelmed 7-1 by the Americans, who, with one game left to play, are primed to feature in tomorrow’s final.

USA’s Sammy Popper makes a move against Guyana during their 7-1 win yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Ali Campbell slotted home four goals, while Mary Beth Barham had a double and Sammy Popper contributed the other goal for the USA Women.

Fiedtkou scored Guyana’s only goal in the loss.

The USA are the only undefeated team in the

Women’s Pool of the tournament, and they also scored the most goals (31) with a +25 goal difference – the most among the seven teams.

Today’s final pool games will determine tomorrow’s finalists.